David Contreras places a cold towel on his neck to cool off while talking to ARCHES outreach workers as temperatures exceed 100 degrees in Salem, Oregon on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021. Salem Heatwave 123
Los Angeles, California – This weekend, a mini heat wave is blanketing parts of Southern California, prompting health warnings and heat advisories as temperatures climb into dangerous territory.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory for a broad swath of the region, including the Los Angeles and Ventura County valleys, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the southern Salinas Valley. Daytime highs are expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in many inland areas, with little overnight relief.
After months of cool temperatures, it’s going to be a shock for residents to feel such high temperatures. Saturday will be especially rough for those in high-risk areas.
“This heat event, while not unprecedented, is the first significant warm-up of the year and will come as a shock after months of cooler conditions,” said KTLA meteorologist Henry DiCarlo. “It’s going to feel especially intense.”
Temperatures in the Inland Empire—including cities like Riverside and San Bernardino—are forecast to reach 102°F on Friday and soar to 106°F on Saturday. Inland areas like the Santa Ynez Mountains and Lake San Antonio are expected to see highs in the mid-90s. In contrast, coastal areas will be slightly cooler thanks to a persistent onshore flow.
“Afternoon highs are expected to be 10 to 20 degrees above normal,” the NWS said, adding that high pressure will continue to build through Sunday, peaking on Friday and Saturday.
Officials are urging residents to take precautions, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals without access to air conditioning. The NWS recommends staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours, and checking on elderly neighbors and relatives.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and never leave people or pets in parked vehicles,” the NWS warned.
The NWS Los Angeles office posted Wednesday on X (formerly Twitter): “Limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated, and never leave people or pets in parked vehicles.”
Meanwhile, the NWS office in San Diego noted on Thursday that parts of the Inland Empire and the low deserts could face “major heat risk” as temperatures spike 15 to 25 degrees above seasonal averages.
While wind gusts up to 25 mph are expected in some inland areas, no wind advisories have been issued. Still, DiCarlo cautioned that high winds combined with extreme heat could elevate fire danger.
The heat advisories are expected to remain in effect through 9 p.m. Saturday. Cooler conditions are forecast to return next week as an onshore flow strengthens, bringing clouds and fog back into coastal and valley areas.
