Southern California continued baking under a heat wave Monday that's expected to last a few more days, but forecasters are also warning that thunderstorms, some flash flooding and high winds could be on the way Tuesday.
Heat advisories were in effect for most of Los Angeles County through 6 p.m. Tuesday, and in much of Orange County from 10 a.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Highs reached 100 degrees Monday in parts of the Antelope Valley, and were in the high 90s in other valley areas. Downtown L.A. was expected to reach about 91 degrees.
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The thousands of residents flocking to the coast to escape the heat on Labor Day were warned of strong rip currents and powerful surf along L.A. County beaches. A beach hazards statement was in effect through 11 p.m. Monday, with surf up to 6 feet expected. A high rip current risk means life- threatening currents are expected.
Forecasters said monsoonal moisture will arrive again Tuesday, bringing a low but present risk of showers and thunderstorms in the northern part of L.A. County through the remainder of the week.
"Increased risk of thunderstorms for San Gabriel mountains/Antelope Valley Tue afternoon-Wed evening," the NWS' Los Angeles office said Monday. "Main risks will be brief heavier rainfall with flash flooding/debris flow (including Bridge Fire burn scar) and strong downburst/outflow wind gusts 40-60 mph."
A slight cooling trend is expected beginning Thursday, with temperatures likely dropping around 5 to 7 degrees the following weekend.
L.A. city officials said hundreds of locations were open for relief from the heat, including Recreation and Parks facilities and local library branches. Residents can visit laparks.org/reccenter, lapl.org/branches or call 311 for the location and hours of operation for the cooling centers.
The L.A. County Department of Public Health urged residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke and cramps. Officials warned the public to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, drink plenty of fluids and to check on those at risk for heat-related illness, such as people who are sick or have chronic conditions, older adults and pregnant women.
The public was also reminded to never leave children and pets in a vehicle without air conditioning on for even one minute, as vehicle temperatures can quickly rise to deadly levels.
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