Temperatures continued to inch upward Tuesday as a small heat wave moved into the area, with the weather expected to warm gradually for the next two days and drive traditionally hotter areas into the triple-digits.
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According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in much of Southern California were 2 to 4 degrees higher Tuesday compared to Monday, with similar increases expected on Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday is expected to bring the peak heat, with temperatures around 104 in warmer valley areas and as high as 106 in the Antelope Valley. Metro areas are likely to be in the 80s and 90s.
Coastal areas are expected to remain relatively cool, with highs in the 60s and 70s anticipated.
Although the temperatures will be above normal, forecasters said they do not anticipate issuing any heat advisories or warnings in Los Angeles County. But in Orange county, a heat advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. Wednesday through 8 p.m. Friday for the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills, and in OC inland areas. Those areas are expected to see temperatures in the 90s.
The warm weather will raise the risk of wildfires, most notably in inland areas.
"Seasonably elevated fire weather conditions will continue through next Tuesday over the interior areas due to continued very warm and dry conditions along with gusty onshore winds during the afternoon and evening hours," according to the NWS.
"... From Wednesday into early next week, there is potential for an extended period of very warm weather. At this time, the hottest days appear to be this Thursday and Friday when high temperatures of 95 to 106 degrees will be possible across the warmest valleys, lower mountains, and deserts," forecasters said. "During this time, there will also be low humidities in the 7 to 15 percent range. This will result in widespread elevated fire weather conditions across the valleys, mountains, and deserts, with an increased risk of large vertical plume growth with new fires across the interior, especially in the mountains."
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