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An unusually persistent heat wave will arrive in Long Beach — and the rest of the region — this weekend, with high humidity and near triple-digit temperatures on some days. Most of the city will see highs in the 90s from Friday through Thursday, with the hottest weather expected Saturday.
Max temperatures will be roughly 15-20 degrees hotter than normal for this time of year, according to the National Weather Service.
It’s going to feel extra hot because of increased humidity from Hurricane Rachel, currently off the coast of Mexico. That humidity is expected to arrive on Monday and remain through at least Wednesday, forecasters said, and overnight lows will remain elevated — in the mid-70s through Wednesday as well.
The El Niño weather pattern, brought on by warmer ocean temperatures, is directly related to the higher overnight temperatures and elevated humidity, said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist.
“This [heat wave] won’t be as humid as August, but it also won’t be as dry as it would normally be,” Swain said. “So you’re still going to feel that added oomph.”
Although the humidity won’t be as bad as heat waves over the past two months, forecasters warn that its prolonged nature could be dangerous.
“The relentless heat will have a hazardous wearing down effect on people, especially the very young and old,” forecasters said.
An extreme heat watch will be in effect from Friday morning through Thursday, with forecasters warning that the risk of heat-related illnesses will be high.
Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, avoid the sun when possible and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Cooler temperatures should start to arrive on Oct. 10.
How to Cool Off
Free air conditioning is available at cooling centers throughout the city, including all public libraries. You can find a full list of locations and when they’re open here.
Long Beach also has aquatic playgrounds set up at Alamitos Beach (between Fifth and Sixth places) and at Bay Shore Beach. Those are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., but all participants must pass a swim test.
Public pools are available at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1910 Lemon Ave.) and Silverado Park (1540 W. 32nd St.). Children age 17 and under can swim for free, while the entry fee is $3 for adults and $2 for seniors — defined as anyone age 50 and older.