Rose Scott-Wright plays with her dog Cloie on July 17, 2019 at Canal Park. Xxx 20190717 Heatwave Canalpark 0057 Jpg A Usa Dc
Los Angles, California – Southern California is again facing a wave of scorching temperatures this week, with the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing a heat advisory and urging residents to take precautions — especially concerning their pets.
The NWS Los Angeles office has issued a heat advisory from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 9 p.m. Thursday, as temperatures across the region are expected to climb into the triple digits. Meteorologists warn that the heat wave will likely peak on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing unseasonably high temperatures well above historical averages for this time of year.
“This is about 10 to 15 degrees above normal depending on the location,” NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittell said. Average highs in the area typically range from 70 to 83 degrees in May, making this spike particularly concerning.
In response, authorities are urging residents to stay cool, stay indoors when possible, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day — generally between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The advisory applies to large swaths of the region, including the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, Santa Ynez Mountains, Los Angeles’ inland coast including downtown, and parts of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
One of the key warnings issued this week concerns pet safety. The NWS and animal welfare advocates remind the public never to leave pets in parked cars, where temperatures can soar in just minutes.
“Do not leave people or pets in closed vehicles,” the NWS advisory states. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors.”
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is also sounding the alarm about the dangers of heatstroke in pets. Signs of overheating include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, and lethargy. In more severe cases, pets may experience seizures, bloody diarrhea, or collapse. Body temperatures over 104°F in animals are considered a veterinary emergency.
The NWS is also urging pet owners to be mindful of hot pavement, which can burn animals’ paws. The ASPCA recommends keeping pets indoors during extreme heat, limiting outdoor activity, and ensuring pets have access to shade and fresh water.
This is the second heat advisory in the region this month, and long-range forecasts show the possibility of continued above-average temperatures into late May. Therefore, officials are encouraging residents to take early precautions.
“This is not just uncomfortable weather — it’s dangerous,” Kittell said. “We want people to be safe, and that includes the animals in their care.”
