Overview
- Extreme Heat Warnings remain in effect through Thursday as the region endures multi‑day stretches of 100°F readings, including a four‑day 100°F streak at downtown Los Angeles.
- Forecasters say a stagnant high‑pressure ridge, down‑sloping winds and unusually warm coastal waters tied partly to El Niño have suppressed the normal sea breeze and kept nights warm.
- Multiple daily station records fell across the Southland, with downtown L.A. reaching 104°F and stations such as Burbank and Anaheim hitting about 101°F while San Diego reached 100°F.
- Local health agencies have opened cooling centers, urged hydration and work‑time limits, and Santa Barbara County Animal Services is seeking temporary fosters because some shelters lack air conditioning.
- Hurricane Rachel is expected to raise surf, dangerous rip currents and the chance of localized coastal flooding and beach erosion even as models show only modest inland cooling by the weekend.