LOS ANGELES (CNS) – A potentially record-breaking, “historic” and dangerous heat wave began building in the Southland Monday, beginning what is expected to be nearly a week of elevated temperatures that have sparked fears of heat-related illnesses.
The National Weather Service noted that many people along the coast were greeted by foggy conditions Monday morning, but stated: “Don’t be fooled. Even coastal areas will be in the upper 80s to lower 90s by (Tuesday) and lasting all week.”
“The heat event this week is forecast to be a historic March event, likely breaking many daily and even monthly temperature records,” according ot the NWS. “There will be a high risk for heat illness for everyone — especially locations away from the coast. If you or someone you know is at risk for heat-related problems, please make cooling plans now for the rest of this week.”
Forecasters said a very strong high pressure system will be lingering over the region through the week, with temperatures rising to 20 to 35 degrees above normal by Thursday and Friday.
On Monday, temperatures were predicted to reach into the 80s and mid- 90s across the area — roughly 15 to 30 degrees above normal for this time of year. By Tuesday and Wednesday, highs will reach into the mid-90s andlow-100s away from the coast, but the coasts will still be in the 80s and 90s.
A heat advisory will be in effect for virtually all areas away from the coast through 10 a.m. Tuesday, when it will be replaced by a more severe extreme heat warning that will be in place until 8 p.m. Friday. Coastal areas will be under a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Friday.
Heat records were already set in the area last Friday, including a high of 92 degrees in downtown LA (the previous record for March 13 was 90 degrees in 2015), and 88 at LAX (breaking the previous record of 86 degrees in 1994).
Cal/OSHA urged employers to take precautions to protect workers as temperatures rise across the state.
“This is one of the first heat waves of the year, with temperatures rising above the seasonal average,” the agency said in a statement. “Employees may not yet be acclimatized to high heat and may need additional breaks and interventions when they adapt to the conditions. Cal/OSHA reminds employers to be vigilant, especially with newer employees, and ensure that employees have shade, water and rest breaks to prevent heat illness.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged residents to prepare for the high heat
“As a former nurse and a physician assistant, I know first-hand that this heat is something to treat extremely seriously, and I’m making sure the city is preparing accordingly,” Bass said in a statement Monday. “Hundreds of city facilities, including libraries and recreation centers, are available for Angelenos who need to stay cool. Do not hesitate — get indoors and into air conditioning and protect yourself.”
According to the mayor’s office, all city libraries and recreation centers will be available as cooling centers this week. A full list of those locations is available at laparks.org/reccenter and lapl.org/branches. The city Department of Recreation and Parks also operates numerous public pools and splash pads, with information also available on the agency’s website.
Beginning Tuesday, extended hours of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. will be offered at four Los Angeles city facilities for residents and their pets:
— Canoga Park Senior Citizens Center, 7326 Jordan Ave.;
— North Hollywood Senior Citizen Center, 5301 Tujunga Ave.;
— Pecan Recreation Center, 145 S. Pecan St., downtown Los Angeles; and
— Algin Sutton Recreation Center, 8800 S. Hoover St., South Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County also operates numerous cooling centers, including libraries, rec centers, pools and splash pads. Locations are available through an interactive map at ready.lacounty.gov/heat/.
The heat wave is expected to ease up next Saturday, with a projected high of 84 in downtown Los Angeles, dropping to 76 next Sunday.
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