Heat wave in California will give a respite, but the heat will return in a few days
Although a slight drop in thermometers is expected starting Monday, forecasts anticipate another rebound in heat
Southern California will continue to be under the influence of an intense heat wave, although forecasters predict temporary relief beginning next week. However, the respite will be brief, as climate models anticipate a new rise in temperatures towards the second half of the week.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), heat will peak over the weekend, with temperatures between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the valleys, while the Antelope Valley could exceed 100 degrees. In coastal areas, records will range between 70 and 80 degrees.
Authorities maintain a heat advisory in force in much of the region until Monday night, due to the risk posed by high temperatures, especially for older adults, children and people with chronic diseases.
Heat increases the risk of fires
In addition to the impact on health, the persistence of high temperatures has begun to dry out vegetation and favor the spread of forest fires.
According to data cited by the Los Angeles Times, 11 new fires have been reported in California since the beginning of the week, including fires in Riverside and San Diego counties.
The hot environment has also prevented adequate cooling at night, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
The Santa Barbara airport even registered a record of 95 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing the all-time mark for that date set in 2016, according to preliminary figures from the NWS.
Beaches with strong waves and currents
Although the forecast indicates that between Monday and Wednesday temperatures will drop a few degrees, specialists warn that the heat will intensify again shortly after.
At the same time, the National Weather Service maintains alerts for rip currents and waves of between 1 and 2 meters on beaches in Los Angeles, Ventura County and part of the central coast of California.
Meteorologists explain that the most dangerous conditions will occur on beaches and ports facing south and southwest, so they recommend extreme caution during the weekend.
Although scientists cannot yet attribute this specific episode to climate change, various studies agree that global warming has made heat waves increasingly frequent, intense and prolonged in the western United States.