Temperatures from a weeklong heat wave gripping Southern California are nearing their peak Tuesday, with record-breaking highs expected to continue through Friday.
“It is one of the strongest ridges we’ve seen in this area since at least the 1950s in Southern California,” KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins said. “We’re definitely looking at historic conditions.”
Record highs were set Monday in Woodland Hills, 97 degrees, and Burbank, 92 degrees, and temperatures are expected to climb even higher across the region today.
“There is a high risk for heat illness this week, with conditions remaining warm overnight, adding to the heat risk,” the National Weather Service said. Residents are urged to limit strenuous outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., drink plenty of hydrating fluids and check on neighbors and loved ones.
Afternoon highs will be 20 to 35 degrees above normal, prompting the weather service to issue heat advisories and extreme heat warnings across Southern California as temperatures surge into the 100s in some areas through Friday.
A dangerous March heat wave impacts Southern California through Friday. (National Weather Service – Los Angeles)
“Today, and every day for the rest of the week, we’ll be breaking records depending on where we are,” Kirk said.
The record heat is arriving even as Southern California is still in its final days of winter, with spring not officially starting until Friday.
Forecasters expect the ridge to break down Saturday, with noticeably cooler conditions arriving Sunday.
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