What to Know
- The peak of this week's heat wave will be Wednesday into Thursday.
- Temperatures will soar into the high 90s and triple digits.
- Some relief is on the way, but not until early next week.
Temperatures will spike Thursday in Southern California before a drop-off into the weekend.
The peak of the heat wave arrives Thursday, when even the beaches will swelter in the 90s. Record highs are possible.
A heat advisory will be in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday in the Los Angeles coastal zone and a widespread part of Southern California. Temperatures of between 85 and 90 degrees are expected near the coast and between 90 and 100 inland, with the valleys of Los Angeles and Ventura counties expected to be the hottest areas.
“This second heat wave is hotter than the first,” said NBC4 forecaster Shanna Mendiola. "There is relief in sight. It’s going to take some time through. We’ve got six days before we get there.
“We’re going to run the risk of heat-related illnesses all the way through Friday.”
The above-average temperatures mark the second heat wave of spring -- a warmer round than the last one. Triple-digit temperature records are possible Thursday.
"Thursday is going to be our hottest day of the week for everybody," said Mendiola.
Los Angeles County will open eight cooling centers around the area today to give residents who need it a place to escape the heat wave. The centers will be open from noon to 6 p.m. today and Thursday, and they will "operate in compliance with physical distancing and other safety criteria" due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Cooler evening temperatures will provide some relief.
Temperatures will start to gradually drop Friday, but readings in the 90s will still be widespread.
A heat warning will be in effect until 9 p.m. Friday for parts of Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino counties. An excessive heat watch will also take effect Tuesday morning and last until Friday evening in the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass.
