Another bout of high heat is expected to reach the Southland next week, with forecasters warning of moderate Santa Ana winds blowing across the area by Monday, and potentially record-setting temperatures by mid-week.
The heat isn’t expected to be as oppressive as it was in early September, but inland areas could have temperatures about 8 to 14 degrees above normal by Sunday, and getting warmer by Tuesday and Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service, “locally moderate” Santa Ana winds will develop Monday morning and continue into Tuesday, with gusts of 35 to 45 mph likely in canyons and passes. The winds will weaken by Wednesday.
“The bottom line is there will be hot and dry conditions across the forecast area with gusty Santa Anas a good possibility both Monday and Tuesday mornings into the early afternoon hours,” according to the NWS.
Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be the hottest days of the week, with valley temperatures reaching 103 to 105 degrees, and coastal areas hitting the upper-80s to mid-90s.
Long Beach is forecast to reach 90 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures in the high 80s continuing Thursday and Friday.
“There will be a few record-breaking temperatures possible during this event, even though it’s not expected to be as hot as the early September heat wave,” according to the NWS.
With heat and Santa Ana winds, the weather system will also raise the risk of wildfires. The NWS warned of possible “large plume growth and rapid fire spread with any new or existing fires.”
Health officials warned residents to take precautions against the heat, especially older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes and people with chronic medical conditions.