Southern California braces for potentially dangerous heat, elevated surf

Southern California will see a potentially dangerous heat wave this weekend and continuing through the week, with several areas facing multiple days over 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

The blistering temperatures are a result of a high-pressure system positioned over the four corners region expanding westward.

“We’re expecting warming temperatures each day leading to potentially dangerous heat risks by Sunday or Monday, continuing through most of next week,” NWS meteorologist Carol Smith said.

The Inland Empire will be among the hottest spots.

“Temperatures on Monday will be in the low to mid triple digits,” meteorologist Philip Gonsalves said. “Anywhere from 99 degrees to 108 degrees, depending on where you are in the Inland Empire.”

The Santa Clarita Valley will see temperatures between 102 and 109 degrees, peaking on Tuesday and Wednesday. Los Angeles residents can expect low to mid 90s, peaking around 94 degrees on Tuesday.

In Coachella Valley, temperatures could be anywhere between 110 and 117 degrees.

The heat wave is particularly concerning for the Cal Fire/Riverside Fire Department, which is still battling the Nixon fire burning in Aguanga.

“We have crews who are working extended hours and are out on the lines for extended periods of time,” Captain John Clingingsmith said. “We make sure all the ice chests are filled with plenty of water and electrolyte-replenishing drinks and food to keep them going.”

Clingingsmith stressed the importance of signing up for local emergency alerts. He suggests that all Riverside residents should sign up at RivCoReady.org.

The heat wave could be accompanied by thunderstorms, as well. Firefighters’ biggest concern is lightning without precipitation, or dry lightning, which could lead to more wildfires.

Beachgoers driven to the coast by the high temperatures should prepare for elevated, choppy surf in Orange County this week. Hurricane and tropical storm activity in a hurricane developing in Baja could create large swells, which, while beneficial for surfers in the U.S. Open in Huntington Beach this week, could prove hazardous for others.

“The beach is a beautiful place, but the ocean is dangerous,” Brian O’Rourke, Assistant Chief Lifeguard Operations at Newport Beach Fire Department, said. “When you step onto the sand, you’re stepping into nature. Before you go into the water, please check in with our lifeguards.”