SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — The heat dome that set dozens of records across the East Coast while claiming 20 lives is expected to shift west, settling over California in mid-July with the first major heat wave of the summer.
A marine heat wave and storms over the Pacific Ocean are expected to create a ridge of high pressure over the West Coast in the coming weeks, trapping the hot air above California, Arizona, and Utah. Inland valleys and mountains will start to see above-average temperatures after an unseasonably cool start to the summer, according to AccuWeather's long-range forecast.
The warming trend will begin this week,when the hottest days will be Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
The high-pressure system that plagued much of the country over the weekend is moving toward the deserts of inland California, bringing extreme heat, lower humidity, and an increased wildfire threat. The National Weather Service has issued heat alerts for several inland and desert areas, warning that heat-related illness becomes more likely mid-week.
Heat Warnings For CA Deserts, Inland Empire Heat Advisories
In Southern California deserts, an Extreme Heat Warning will be in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Coachella Valley, San Diego County deserts and San Gorgonio Pass Area near Banning, according to the National Weather Service. High temperatures could reach 117 degrees in San Diego County deserts, with the National Weather Service warning that heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events.
A heat advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Thursday for the San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys in the Inland Empire. In Los Angeles County, that heat advisory will be in place from 10 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Friday in the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys and mountains. Temperatures in those areas could rocket to near 100 degrees, National Weather Service forecasters say.
Extreme Southwestern California Weather Includes San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino Counties:
The high-pressure system will center over Southern California by Wednesday, according to meteorologists, bringing sweltering heat to inland San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for inland and desert areas, warning that heat-related illness becomes more likely midweek when temperatures were expected to reach 114 degrees in some areas.
Are Early Monsoon Rainstorms Next?
As the high-pressure system moves northeast through early next week, some moisture will return to the region. Residents should expect higher humidity in the deserts and mountains, which could bring monsoonal showers late this weekend to parts of next week.
Models show “spotty, high-based precipitation over the region, with a pretty significant range of time periods between late this weekend into parts of next week,” the NWS reported. The highest chances for rain are in the deserts and mountains, and a few areas to the west. With the rainstorms come a chance of lightning and an elevated risk for wildfires.
Remember To Keep Yourself, And Your Pets Heat-Safe Amid Heat Wave
During a heatwave, the National Weather Service urges residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors during the heat event.
"People working or exercising outside should take extra precautions, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, limit strenuous activity to the early morning or evening, and watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke," the National Weather Service advises.
Pet owners should be reminded that pets need to be kept cool. During hot weather, be mindful of hot pavement on sensitive paws, never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, and keep them with ample water and shade.
Tuesday, July 7: Extreme heat begins in the desert warning areas. Palm Springs is forecast around 112, and the San Diego County deserts are under an Extreme Heat Warning beginning at 10 a.m. Coastal San Diego and Los Angeles remain much cooler, around 74 in Carlsbad and 73 in Manhattan Beach.
Wednesday, July 8: One of the hottest days of the week. Heat Advisories begin for the Inland Empire and parts of Los Angeles County, where Saugus will see 102 as the desert Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect. Riverside will reach 99 and Palm Springs near 114.
Thursday, July 9: Heat peaks or remains near peak levels across many inland and desert areas. Riverside could reach around 100, Palm Springs around 115, and Temecula around 93. NWS San Diego said Thursday could bring highs of 111 to 117 in the lower deserts, including Borrego Springs.
Friday, July 10: The Inland Empire and deserts begin to ease slightly, but heat remains elevated. Los Angeles County’s inland coast Heat Advisory continues through Friday evening, and NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard said only a modest cool-down is expected Friday, with above-normal heat lingering in some areas.
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