Heat Advisories Extended into Next Week for Most of Southland

LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Heat advisories remained in effect Thursday across much of Los Angeles County and were extended into next week as forecasters warned of even hotter temperatures that could push some valley and mountain communities to 112 degrees.

A heat advisory went into effect Wednesday for the Los Angeles inland coastal area, including downtown Los Angeles, and it will remain in place until 10 a.m. Tuesday, with temperatures of up to 94 degrees possible, according to the National Weather Service.

A separate heat advisory has been in effect since Tuesday for the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, along with the San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway corridor. That advisory will also remain in place until 10 a.m. Tuesday. Both advisories were originally expected to expire Friday night, but NWS forecasters extended them into next week, when even hotter conditions are possible.

When the heat advisories expire Tuesday morning, they will be replaced by an extreme heat watch that will be in place until next Thursday, July 16. Forecasters said mountain and valley areas during that stretch could reach as high as 112 degrees, while the inland coastal areas could heat into the low triple-digits.

Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be the hottest days of this week. The higher temperatures are the result of a weakened onshore flow, which is reducing the morning and evening cloud cover in most of the area, forecasters said.

“There is a high risk for heat illness for sensitive populations including the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors,” according to the NWS.

Forecasters said little change is expected Thursday, with temperatures remaining similar in most areas. Mountain and interior communities could warm by another degree or two, while the coast may cool slightly because of a stronger afternoon sea breeze.

According to the NWS, “only a slight cool down” is expected this weekend before temperatures start rising again next week.

“Additionally, monsoonal moisture will add to the discomfort level from the heat next week,” forecasters said.

That moisture could bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms to the mountain areas beginning Sunday and continuing into next week, according to the weather service.