The National Weather Service has provided an official alert regarding the rising temperature in the southern coasts of California, valleys of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. More importantly, this is not just a ‘heat rising’ alert, it’s an Extreme Heat Warning with temperatures approximately reaching 90 to 100 degrees fahrenheit and even above at some places.
What the Warning Is About
This weather warning is NWS’ most serious ones this year indicating rising temperatures that can go up to 105 degrees. NWS uses ‘Extreme Heat Warning’ as their top most tier of extremity in terms of weather conditions with others being Heat Advisory as the lowest tier.
Areas Under the Warning
The warning is issued for areas: Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands; Santa Clarita Valley; Ventura County Inland Coast; Lake Casitas; Ojai Valley; Central Ventura County Valleys; Los Angeles County Beaches; Palos Verdes Hills; Los Angeles County Inland Coast including Downtown Los Angeles; the Western and Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area; Calabasas and Agoura Hills; the Western and Eastern San Fernando Valley; and Southeastern Ventura County Valleys.
How Hot Can It Get?
Back in 1971, the hottest Monday around this time was recorded at around 101°F in LA. This time around, the temperatures are expected to rise even above that at some places. Depending on your location, you might feel some cool breeze but inland valleys will have to face the worst of it.
How Long It Will Last
The warning states that it is valid till 8PM PDT Thursday. The upcoming Thursday suggest 8th of October, so keep yourselves hydrated up till then.
Wildfire Risk
For a fire to occur and spread is most probably the basics of Wildfires. What it needs the most on this principle is fuel, a spark, and something to spread it. Which is precisely why extreme heat and low moisture levels fuel these fires and raise the risk of it around this time. However, there’s no official risk to it yet and this is just a plausible risk.
Impact on Power and Daily Life
With this heat and NWS’ advice, utilising air conditioning will be a must. This gives a rise to the average electricity and power consumption around the affected areas. Even at nights, air conditioning will most prominently be required as temperatures are not expected to fall to comfortable threshold, leaving no room for electricity saving.
Staying Safe in the Heat
The NWS website also states official advice such as drinking plenty of fluids, utilising air conditioners, staying indoors and avoiding harsh sunlight, and of course, to take care of yourselves and others. Including friends and neighbours, maybe even becoming the friendly neighbourhood cool-man.
