Record-Breaking Heat Wave Headed Your Way

A warming trend began in the Southland today amid strong winds, and National Weather Service forecasters said it will produce record-breaking heat this weekend -- possibly 20 degrees above normal.

Daytime highs Saturday and Sunday will range from the 80s to lower 90s at the coast and from the mid 80s to mid 90s in the valleys and foothills, they said, blaming a ridge of high pressure.

The NWS forecast sunny skies today and highs of 74 on Mount Wilson, in Avalon and San Clemente; 80 at LAX; 81 in Laguna Beach; 82 in Newport Beach; 84 in Seal Beach and Rancho Santa Margarita; 85 in Mission Viejo and Fountain Valley.

Highs are expected to rise by a few degrees Friday and again Saturday and begin a slow decline Sunday, with a cooling trend starting only on Wednesday, when the downtown high is forecast to be 74 -- 10 degrees lower than today.

NWS forecasters also said winds of between 15 and 30 miles per hour were sweeping both the mountains this morning and producing gusts of around 45 mph, with 55-mph gusts expected. The NWS issued a wind advisory for the mountains. It was set to expire at noon.

NWS forecasters urged residents and visitors to avoid heat stress, including by scheduling outdoor activities in the morning or evening to avoid the day’s strongest heat, wearing light clothing if engaging in strenuous activities, and staying hydrated.

Also forcefully recommended: “Never, ever leave children, pets or the elderly alone in the car.”

The weather service expressed concern for people who’ll take part in Sunday’s L.A. Marathon, saying they need to be aware of the potential for serious heat-related problems.

The marathon’s organizers also appear concerned by the heat. The entire field will start at Dodger Stadium at 6:55 a.m., 30 minutes earlier than originally scheduled in an effort to beat the heat.

Other steps will be taken to better ensure runner safety. The race will have wave starts to ensure proper runner spacing and enable more efficient replenishment of supplies at aid stations. Additional water and Gatorade Endurance Formula will be provided at all 24 aid stations.

“Cooling buses” will be stationed along the course and at the finish line; misting stations, cold towels and ice will be provided

Sunday’s high in metropolitan Los Angeles, an area that takes in the marathon course, is forecast to be 89, compared to 75 Wednesday and 84 today.

• City News Service
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