Millions of California residents are being warned to avoid the sun this week as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple heat advisories, with temperatures expected to soar into the 90s across a portion of Southern California.
The alerts are in effect from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening, impacting major metropolitan and outlying communities from the Inland Empire to Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County and San Diego valleys.
Why It Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), extreme heat can trigger heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children and those with certain medical conditions.
The agency notes that extreme heat contributes to more than 700 deaths annually across the United States.
“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,” the NWS said in an advisory for southwest California.
What To Know
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys, Orange County Inland Areas and San Diego County Valleys will experience the brunt of the heat, with temperatures set to climb up to 94 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday and as high as 96 degrees on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service San Diego.
For coastal and valley communities in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties—including downtown Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and surrounding cities—highs are expected in the low 90s.
The advisories also extend to the Santa Susana Mountains, where temperatures could reach 90 degrees.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the agency advised.
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service forecast office in San Diego said on X on Saturday: “Near-normal temps Sunday and Monday, before warmer weather arrives for mid week! It’s been awhile since we’ve needed to talk about Heat Safety, but with highs in the 90s for inland areas/valleys, make sure to drink plenty of water if you plan to spend significant time outdoors.”
NWS San Diego said on X, Tuesday: “Warm, dry, and breezy Tuesday and Wednesday as a weak Santa Ana wind event takes hold. A Heat Advisory is in effect for the valleys and inland Orange County Tue-Wed.”
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest of these heat advisories was in effect until 7 p.m. PDT on Wednesday.
Local forecast updates are issued by regional NWS branches on the agency’s website and social media channels.