Baldwin Park Heat Wave: Soaring Temperatures Hit Southland

BALDWIN PARK, CA — Here comes that high pressure system. Better get the A/C on, fast. By next Wednesday, San Gabriel Valley temperatures will hit the high 90s.

This weekend, temperatures will be in the 90s Thursday in the San Gabriel, San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys as the region's heat wave enters its third day, headed toward even higher temperatures.

"Strong high pressure building across the Western states will cause temperatures to climb to 12 to 18 degrees above normal ... this weekend through at least the middle of next week," the National Weather Service warned in a statement Thursday morning.

The warmest area will be the Antelope Valley, where an excessive heat watch will be in effect from Sunday morning through Wednesday night, reflecting highs that will reach 112 degrees Fahrenheit.

The National Weather Service forecast sunny skies Thursday and highs of 74 in Avalon; 77 at LAX; 85 in downtown L.A. and on Mount Wilson; 86 in Long Beach; 89 in Burbank; 90 in San Gabriel; 91 in Pasadena; 95 in Saugus; 96 in Woodland Hills; 97 in Palmdale; and 98 in Lancaster. Temperatures are forecast to hit triple-digit territory in the Antelope Valley Friday and spike in some valley communities Tuesday and Wednesday, hitting the high 90s.

The beaches will be balmy, with sunny skies were also forecast in Orange County, along with highs of 69 in Laguna Beach and San Clemente; 73 in Newport Beach; 85 in Irvine; 86 in Anaheim and Mission Viejo; 88 in Fullerton; and 89 in Yorba Linda.

Temperatures will be about the same as Thursday at least for the next six days.

They're forecast to sneak into the low 90s Friday in inland Orange County, including Mission Viejo, Fullerton and Yorba Linda.

Forecasters warned area residents to protect themselves and those close to them from the conditions by dressing light, drinking plenty of water, restricting the time spent in the sun, checking on friends and neighbors -- especially seniors -- and by never, ever leaving children, seniors or pets in closed parked vehicles, even for a short time.

Shutterstock Photo