It’s finally cooling down in Southern California after a brutal heat wave that shattered records this week. This Saturday, expect temperatures to drop into the upper 70s and low 80s along the coast, while inland areas will see low 90s.
Just this Thursday, Woodland Hills hit 102 degrees, beating the old record of 96 degrees from 1997 for March 19. Lancaster also set a new record at 93 degrees, surpassing its previous high of 87 from 2004. Other areas like Palmdale, Long Beach Airport, and UCLA also reported record-breaking temperatures.
Looking ahead, temperatures will drop further on Sunday before warming up again on Monday. The forecast for next week shows mid-80s at the coast and low to mid-90s inland.
National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Lewis noted, “We broke so many records. It’s unusual to see heat like this, with temperatures 20 to 30 degrees above normal.” While heat advisories should end by Friday night, there’s a chance for more next week.
Friday marks the last day of the extreme heat, with inland areas reaching the 90s. Coastal areas are expected to be more comfortable, in the mid-70s to low 80s.
The intense heat can lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration. Lewis warns, “These high temperatures can catch people off guard, especially since it’s usually around 70 degrees this time of year.” Many coastal homes lack air conditioning, making the heat even harder to cope with. He advises caution during any strenuous activities.
As this heat wave reminds us, climate patterns are shifting. According to a recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, extreme weather events like this heat wave are happening more frequently due to climate change. Awareness of heat safety is more important than ever, and cities are increasingly sharing advice on how to stay cool during these intense heat periods.
For more information on heat safety, check out the CDC’s guidelines.
