Temperatures will climb into the 80s for many parts of Southern California this weekend with some inland areas soaring well into triple-digit heat.
The warming trend starts Friday before a warm early summer weekend. High temperatures are expected to rise by 2 to 6 degrees Friday with triple-digit highs in the Antelope Valley.
Expect temperatures in the mid-80s for the Los Angeles basin and Orange County with mid-70s along the coast for the first weekend of summer. Saturday's high in Palm Springs is expected to reach 112 degrees.
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"Expect the clouds to increase as we head into Sunday," NBC4 forecaster Belen De Leon said. "It might even feel a little humid. That's because we're tapping into some tropical moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto, and that's going to bring us a slight chance for storms in the mountains, possible even the deserts."
In Los Angeles County, a heat advisory that will be in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. Sunday for the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys. Highs couuld reach triple digits in some areas.
An excessive heat watch will begin Saturday morning and continue through Sunday evening in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Antelope Valley foothills and the 14 Freeway corridor north of Los Angeles.
In northern Los Angeles County, firefighters continue to fight the Post Fire, which began last weekend in the Gorman area near the 5 Freeway. The fire burning in hot and dry conditions is about 16,000 acres with containment at 61 percent.
Health safety in the heat, cooling centers
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a heat advisory for the valley areas for Saturday and Sunday.
"On hot days, it's important for everyone to both take care of themselves and check on others, especially those who have a higher chance of getting ill due to the heat. Some of them include children, the elderly, those with health conditions, pregnant people, those living alone, and pets," Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, said in a statement. "Hot days can be dangerous for anyone, so it's crucial to stay cool and hydrated. Never leave children, the elderly, or pets alone in hot homes, places, or vehicles. Make sure to check on elderly or unwell neighbors and relatives regularly."
The city and county of Los Angeles both operate cooling centers. Click here to find a location or call 211.
Temperatures will be cooler along the coast.
"We've got some great beach weather, but unfortunately the water quality is not great for some of our beaches," De Leon said.
Below, some health tips to stay cool in the heat and avoid heat-related illness.
- Stay hydrated! The more hydrated you are, the more effective your body will be at keeping you cool. Drink water – not fizzy and alcoholic drinks, which will dehydrate you.
- Avoid exercise in the middle of the day. If you need to exercise outside, do it early in the morning when the temperature is lower.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored natural fabrics like cotton and linen, as these will help your skin breathe and let your sweat evaporate, cooling you down.
- We sweat around half a pint daily from both feet (and we wonder why they stink!), so if you can, wear sandals or flip-flops to let your foot sweat evaporate.
- Use a fan to circulate air from open windows. Keep your blinds or curtains drawn during the day, so your home doesn’t heat up while you’re out. Turn off big appliances and help prevent brown-outs!
- To cool down quickly, run your wrists under a cold tap or keep a water spray in the fridge for a quick cooling spritz to the face.
- Keep some wet wipes in your bag so you can freshen up your hands, face and neck if you get hot or clammy.
- Want to stay cool at night? One way is to wash your feet in cool water or take a cold shower before bedtime – especially if you get hot during the night or have hot sweats.
- To cool down in bed, try keeping your pillowcase or sheets in a plastic bag in the fridge during the day. Put them back on the bed at night. The fabric will stay cool when you’re trying to get to sleep.
- And bring your pets in and make sure they have shade and water.
- Be prepared for power outages and know where cooling centers are!
Southern California weekend air quality
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an ozone, or smog, advisory that'll be in effect from 11 a.m. Friday through 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The alert covers most non-coastal areas of Los Angeles County and stretching into much of Riverside County. AQMD officials said the extreme heat will likely lead to unhealthy or worse air quality conditions in much of the area.
The AQMD urged residents to check air quality levels and limit outdoor activities, limit the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment until evening hours and conserve electricity.
