LOS ANGELES, CA — A prolonged heat wave creeping in on Southern California will usher in the summer beach days as forecasters predict temperatures hitting triple digits in some areas next week.
According to the National Weather Service, the cooler SoCal summer is coming to an end with heat cranking up starting Monday. Though confidence in the forecast drops off after Thursday, forecasters said SoCal residents should be prepared for temperatures to be above normal throughout the summer.
“It has been a cooler summer so far, but that is looking to change,” said NWS spokesperson Casey Oswant.
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Forecasters said residents in valleys should expect temperatures in the low 90s, while temperatures in deserts such as the Coachella Valley should top 110 degrees by Tuesday. Oswant said temperatures in deserts could even top 115 degrees and are expected to stay that way for days.
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Temperatures in coastal areas won’t be as searing but will climb noticeably over recent weeks, reaching the upper 70s to 80s with no apparent relief in sight, according to NWS spokesperson Lisa Phillips.
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According to the seven-day forecast by the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to peak Wednesday and Thursday, reaching highs in the 80s in San Diego; the mid-90s in Temecula; a brutal 116 degrees in Palm Springs; 74 degrees in Newport Beach; 86 in Lake Forest; 76 degrees in Manhattan Beach; 89 degrees in Hollywood, and 105 degrees in Northridge.
“Confidence is growing that there will be a significant and prolonged heat wave across at least interior portions of the forecast area beginning Monday or Tuesday, and continuing at least through the week and into the weekend,” NWS said.
On average, this summer started off cooler than previous years with traditionally hot areas sitting five degrees below their average high temperatures in June, Oswant said.
Experts at the Climate Prediction Center predicted temperatures leaning above normal until at least July 20.
“People should expect it to be a hot summer,” Oswant said.
Officials cautioned residents against engaging in any strenuous activities outdoors during the hottest parts of the day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Due to the late start to the summer, Oswant said people might be underprepared to deal with hotter temperatures, which could lead more easily to heat exhaustion and heat strokes. Officials said people should stay hydrated.
The NWS said long-range guidance suggests that the heat will continue to build and could spell danger for the power grid. Officials recommended residents ensure their home is prepared for a prolonged period of high heat.
“Such a stretch would likely be quite dangerous since the diminished ability for cooling would likely increase the incidents of heat-related illnesses,” NWS said.
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