LOS ANGELES, CA — A heatwave will bake Southern California this week and combine with a drop in humidity to elevate the threat of wildfires, the National Weather Service warned Monday.
The weather will produce widespread elevated fire weather, with "increased risk for large plume-dominated fire behavior," according to the National Weather Service.
The most extreme heat will hit the desert regions where places such as Palm Desert are expected to reach 110 degrees Tuesday. The Coachella Valley will record the hottest temperatures in Southern California throughout the week with a high of 109 Monday through Thursday in Palm Springs.
Other inland areas such as Lake Elsinore may also top 100 degrees with a high of 104 forecast for Thursday, while nearby Temecula is expected to hover in the mid-90s, according to the National Weather Service.
A heat advisory has been issued from 10 a.m. Tuesday to at least 8 p.m. Thursday for Los Angeles County including the San Gabriel Valley, according to the National Weather Service.
"The heat advisory may need to be extended into Friday for portions of the forecast area, but there remains considerable uncertainty at this time," the National Weather Service said.
Monday was expected to see a widespread increase of a couple degrees before the advisory period kicks in Tuesday.
In Los Angeles County, including the valleys, high temperatures of 92 to 105 degrees are expected, with most areas seeing peak heat on Wednesday and Thursday. Overnight lows are expected to range from the upper 60s to lower 70s at lower elevations to the mid-70s to lower 80s in the foothills and mountains.
The marine layer will help keep temperatures at immediate coastal areas moderate during the warm up.
Monday's inland highs ranged from the mid-80s to mid-90s, and remained in the 70s near the beaches.
Orange County's highs will fluctuate in the mid 80s and low 90s throughout the week, with slightly cooler temperatures in the 70s on the coast. The hottest days of the week are expected to reach 92 degrees Wednesday and Thursday inland communities including Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita.
San Diego's high temperatures were forecast to remain in the low 80s along the coasts throughout the week, according to the National Weather Service. Inland temperatures are expected to hover in the low 90s. In desert areas, triple-digit temperatures are expected with a high of 110 degrees Tuesday in Borrego Springs.
Though the region will be plagued with hot, dry condtions, heavy winds are not expected to add to the dire danger.
"While winds aren't expected to be of any widespread significance, the increasing northerly pressure gradient will allow for gusty north to northwest winds are likely each night across the interior mountains (especially the Grapevine)," forecasters said.
The National Weather Service warned temperatures may cause heat illnesses and that warmer than normal low temperatures will add to the heat discomfort.
The public was also urged to never leave children or pets in parked vehicles for even a minute, as temperatures inside vehicles can reach deadly levels in virtually no time.
The National Weather Service advised the public to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors.
"Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke," forecasters added.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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