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As Southern California is spoofing its most important heat wave of the year, authorities warn that the dangerous hot weather forecast over the weekend is just one of three major concerns.
“This is a trio of impactful dangers that will affect Southern California as we head into the next few days: fires, fires, storms,” said Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist who works at the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office. “Everyone needs to prepare now.”
Extreme heat builds up southwest on Wednesday, bringing record temperatures close to Southern California by the weekend, creating major fires and health concerns. These threats will be exacerbated by the possibility of local flooding, debris flows, destructive winds and monsoon thunderstorms that could lead to lightning, starting Friday.
“The dangerous situation comes on Thursday and thrusts through the first part of the weekend,” Cohen said.
The Weather Bureau issued extensive extreme heat warnings in mountains and hill areas as well as red flag warnings. Temperatures across Southland are expected to peak on Thursday and Friday, with highs reaching 95-105 degrees above the beach and up to 110 degrees in the valleys and deserts inside Los Angeles County.
“In many areas, including downtown LA, overnight lows are above 70,” Cohen said. “It’s not going to be alleviated from the heat. …We’re talking about the big impact for people susceptible to fever. It is expected that fever-related illnesses are a major issue with the potential for death.”
Los Angeles officials joined the phone calling people to plan to stay safe, including access to air conditioning, rescheduling outdoor activities and several ways to receive emergency alerts. The city announced that it has added four cooling centres to its network of libraries and parks that are open to the public. LA County residents can find a list of cooling centers available here.
“Heat causes more deaths in the United States each year than a combination of flood, storm and lightning. The most likely to get sick in the heat are elderly, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and individuals with chronic medical conditions.” “If you or someone around you experience symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or interaction, you will immediately seek medical assistance.”
Excessive long-term heat creates conditions that experts can promote extreme and rapid fire growth. Mountains and mountainous regions from southern San Luis Obispo County to Roun County, including Antelope and the Santa Clarita Valley, have been receiving Red Flag warnings from Wednesday to Saturday. This means there is a higher risk of wildfires.
“Due to relative humidity and low temperatures, a fire environment can create extreme fire behavior,” Cohen said. Although strong winds are not predicted, the afternoon states that “local breezes are expected that could exacerbate the spread of plume-controlled fires and add to a potentially dangerous fire climate environment.
That fire risk could be exacerbated by the possibility of a thunderstorm from Friday to Sunday. That monsoon pattern can result in localized gusts of wind, minor flooding, streams of debris in the scars of burns, and lightning that can cause fire.
The local fire department says it is pre-evaluating resources and increasing staffing. The California Governor’s Office’s Office of Emergency Services said it also sent additional fire resources to LA County.
“California is taking proactive steps ahead of the weather for the upcoming fire,” Carloes director Nancy Ward said in a statement. “Preparing firefighters, equipment and other resources in high-risk areas will allow us to respond faster and more effectively when needed.”
By the end of the week, interiors on the San Joaquin Valley, parts of the Bay Area and the North Coast will be extended until Sunday under the hot advisory. Central Valley’s highs are expected to reach a maximum of 106 degrees.
Forecasters say a gradual cooldown should begin early next week, but temperatures will continue to rise.
“Extraordinary fever [is] In a recent blog post, UCLA climatologist Daniel Swain wrote:
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