- The National Weather Service has placed large areas of Southern California under a heat advisory until 9 p.m. on May 22.
- Temperatures could soar as high as 100 degrees in popular tourist areas like Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area.
- To avoid heat-related illness, residents and visitors in the affected areas are advised to stay in air conditioning, avoid outdoor activities, and drink water before they’re thirsty.
It’s heating up in Southern California. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory for parts of California that is active until 9 p.m. local time on May 22.
Temperatures in most of Southern California could get as high as 100 degrees away from the coastal areas, though most affected areas will have temperatures in the 90s. According to the National Weather Service, affected areas include Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Eastern San Fernando Valley, Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Western San Fernando Valley, Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, and other parts of southwest California.
The meteorologists at KCAL News, a local news affiliate in Los Angeles, expect the peak of the heat will happen on Wednesday afternoon.
“There is a high risk for heat illness for sensitive populations including the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors,” the National Weather Service advisory states.
The NWS recommends staying hydrated and drinking water before getting thirsty, wearing light-colored clothing, limiting outdoor activities during the hottest hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and taking frequent breaks in shade or air conditioned buildings. The risk of heat illness is ranked “moderate,” the middle ranking on a five-tier system in this order: none, minor, moderate, major, extreme.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave people or pets in closed vehicles,” the advisory states.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and residents of the affected areas should be on guard for any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, which can include muscle cramps, heavy sweating, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, high body temperature, and hot, red, damp, or dry skin. Residents should call 911 if they develop any of these symptoms.
“Climate change is leading to more frequent, more severe, and longer-lasting episodes of extreme heat in California, posing a greater danger to Californians,” according to the California Department of Public Health’s website. “Heat kills more people directly than any other weather-related hazard. Some people at high risk are unhoused people, those who have to work outside or inside without air conditioning, older adults, infants, and those with pre-existing chronic health conditions.
The intense heat also increases the risk of grass fires in the dry interior parts of the state. The state is often at risk of fires, with wildfires devastating parts of Los Angeles in January of this year.
