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The most dangerous heat wave of the season is expected to burn Southern California and most of the US Southwest this week, with triple-digit highs and rising fire conditions set to last for several days on Wednesday.
Extreme heat and fire weather advisories have been issued for much of Southern California’s inland areas, with temperatures peaking on Thursday and Friday. Downtown Los Angeles is expected to reach 94 degrees, while Woodland Hills could reach 108. The Valleys and Inland Empire of Los Angeles County can get hot up to 104 degrees. Palm Springs could hit more than 113, while Death Valley endures 120 degrees.
“This will be the most important heat wave of the season so far,” said Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office. “We’re going to have an annual heat wave, once a year, once a year. …Everyone needs to prepare now.”
Temps are moving towards the second half of the week, with weather conditions for the heat + rising fires continuing through the weekend. Consider changing outdoor activities and check out fire evacuation plans (especially mountain and valley residents). Keep it safe!#cawx #Laweather pic.twitter.com/5lurv2g5kn
– NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLOSANGELES) August 17, 2025
This is usually the hottest time, but said weekend highs reach nearby records above normal 10-20 degrees. People need to stay hydrated, access to air conditioners and refrain from outside activities in the heat of the day to avoid fever, Cohen said.
“The most shocking heat and fire weather concerns will be picked up between Wednesday and Sunday,” the Weather Service warned. “Think about reevaluating your outdoor plans in the meantime, stay hydrated and beware of anything that could cause fire.”
Extreme Heat Watches were issued across the region from Wednesday to Saturday, allowing up to 106 to occur across the Los Angeles County Valley, Ventura County Valley, San Luis Obispo County Valley and Mountains, the Santa Barbara County Mountains and the San Bernardino County desert. The riverside, San Bernardino and the mountains of San Diego County, saw up to 99 degrees on Thursdays and Fridays, while the Inland Empire is projected to reach up to 104 degrees.
Highs in and around Death Valley are expected to reach 120 degrees, so authorities warn that “beyond normal daytime temperatures will minimize overnight mitigation from the heat.”
The extreme heatwatch extends eastward through most of the southwest southwest, reaching southwestern Arizona and southern Nevada. Phoenix will be able to see its peaks up to 114 degrees at the end of the week, with Las Vegas expected to reach 110.
“We’ve had a few days of heat events…there’s a high risk of heat and fire hazards,” the weather department’s daily forecast states.
In the already enclosed landscape, Cohen said heat and low humidity would exacerbate ongoing fire concerns. Several fires ignited and grew rapidly last week during a non-dramatic heat wave.
But higher temperatures this week will create exceptional fire weather, Cohen said.
The fire clock, which indicates the expected weather for the fire, was issued in the mountains and hills of Los Angeles and Ventura County from Wednesday through Saturday, and “an unstable, unstable air masses are evident.” [is] It can create explosive fire behavior. ”
“We expect there will be very favorable conditions for the fire to grow,” Cohen said. “In this type of environment, fires start to fuel themselves.”
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