Overview
- An Extreme Heat Watch that begins Friday covers large parts of Southern California and is initially scheduled through Oct. 8.
- Forecasters say the event is being driven by a strengthening high-pressure ridge and a lack of synoptic wind, a pattern that can prolong hot conditions.
- Saturday is expected to be the peak with 80s along the coast and triple-digit readings inland across Los Angeles, Ventura and the Inland Empire.
- Officials warn of elevated heat-related illness and increased fire risk and advise staying hydrated, using air conditioning, and never leaving children or pets in vehicles.
- Forecasts are uncertain: models and the Climate Prediction Center indicate the heat could extend into mid-October and a distant storm may bring humidity and isolated mountain thunderstorms without substantially cooling the region.