LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Southern California is in the middle of a stubborn heat wave, and forecasters say the hot weather could stick around for much of the rest of August as a powerful area of high pressure remains positioned over the Southwest.
The weather pattern is allowing heat to build across the region and extend toward the Pacific Coast. Instead of the usual marine air providing a break from the heat, the current setup could keep temperatures elevated day after day.
For downtown Los Angeles, temperatures have remained at or above the 90°F heat-wave threshold since August 18.
Forecasters expect that streak to continue through August 30, potentially creating 13 consecutive days of 90-degree-or-higher temperatures.
That would make the duration of the current heat wave particularly notable, even though temperatures are not expected to reach the most extreme levels ever recorded in the city.
Temperatures Could Approach 100°F
Downtown Los Angeles has already reached 98°F on Sunday and Monday, matching the city’s previous high of the year recorded on March 17 during an unusually strong late-winter heat event.
The next few days could bring even hotter conditions.
Forecast highs for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are expected to challenge the year’s previous temperature records, with 100°F possible in downtown Los Angeles.
Meteorologists are watching the prolonged stretch closely because several daily temperature records could be threatened.
Records going back to the early 1930s may be challenged if the heat remains as persistent as currently forecast.
Long Duration Sets This Heat Wave Apart
Los Angeles has experienced much hotter heat waves in its history.
In 1955, temperatures reached or exceeded 100°F from August 31 through September 7, producing one of the city’s most intense heat stretches.
The city’s record high remains 113°F, recorded on September 27, 2010. The current event is not expected to rival those temperatures. Instead, its biggest concern could be how long the heat lasts.
Downtown Los Angeles temperatures are expected to remain around 10 to 15 degrees above normal, meaning residents could face several days of unusually intense heat even without record-breaking temperatures every day.
Inland Southern California Faces Extreme Heat
The heat will become even more severe away from the coast.
Areas around Palm Springs, Las Vegas and Phoenix are expected to run several degrees above their historical averages, with temperatures potentially reaching the 110s through the weekend.
Those conditions can become especially dangerous for anyone working or exercising outdoors for extended periods.
Along the coast, the heat will also be noticeable.
Long Beach is expected to reach 90°F or higher through Saturday, while San Diego should remain somewhat cooler, with highs mainly in the 80s. However, higher humidity in San Diego could make conditions feel more uncomfortable.
Residents Urged to Take Heat Precautions
With the prolonged hot spell continuing, residents are being encouraged to take basic heat-safety measures.
People should drink plenty of water and limit strenuous outdoor activity during the midday and afternoon hours, when temperatures and sunlight are strongest.
The hot, dry weather is also creating additional wildfire concerns. Officials are urging caution when using open flames, machinery and power equipment around dry vegetation.
Even a small spark can ignite dry brush and allow a fire to spread rapidly under these conditions.
Beachgoers Warned About Larger Waves
The beach may offer some relief from the heat, but people heading into the water should remain alert.
Tropical activity developing off the coast of Mexico could send larger swells toward Southern California beaches in the coming days.
Forecasters warn that beachgoers could encounter occasional large breakers and potentially dangerous sneaker waves.
Afternoon sea breezes should provide some relief through Friday for those spending time along the coast, although anyone entering the water should continue to pay attention to changing surf conditions.
As August moves toward its final days, the persistent high-pressure system is keeping Southern California locked in an unusually long stretch of summer heat. For Los Angeles, the biggest story may not be how hot the temperatures get, but how long the heat refuses to break.
How are you coping with the extended heat wave? Are you changing your outdoor plans because of the unusually hot weather? Share your thoughts in the comments.