Southern California is bracing for a relentless stretch of summer heat as a major, long-duration heat wave moves across the region. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), high temperatures will dominate the forecast for nearly a week, bringing dangerous conditions to inland valleys, deserts, and urban basins.
The NWS Heat Advisory officially goes into effect at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday and is scheduled to remain active through 8:00 p.m. Monday. Forecasters warn that triple-digit temperatures will heat up inland communities, while Los Angeles and surrounding valley regions will routinely climb into the mid-to-high 90s.
Temperature breakdown accross SoCal
Wednesday marks the coolest day of the stretch, but inland areas are already feeling the heat. These are the highs accross the region according to CBS:
- Los Angeles County: Downtown L.A. (88°F), Woodland Hills (94°F), Santa Clarita (96°F)
- Inland Empire & Valleys: Riverside (101°F), San Bernardino (98°F), Chino (95°F), Temecula (94°F)
- High Desert: Palmdale (104°F)
- Orange County: Fullerton (88°F), Santa Ana (81°F)
Temperatures are projected to rise even higher over the weekend, keeping inland L.A. and Orange counties firmly in the 90s and pushing the Inland Empire well past 100°F.
Coastal hazards
With extreme heat expected to drive crowds to the coast, the NWS is urging beachgoers to exercise extra caution in the water. Strong rip currents and dangerous high surf between 4 and 8 feet will peak on Thursday and Friday along the Southern California coastline. Swimmers should always stay in clear view of a lifeguard.
Extreme heat safety tips
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Limit Outdoor Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Monitor Indoor Temps: If you lack air conditioning, take advantage of local cooling centers, libraries, or shopping centers during the hottest hours of the day.
