A heat advisory is in effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties this week, with forecasters warning that widespread temperatures between 90 and 100 degrees could pose serious health risks — particularly for vulnerable residents.
The National Weather Service's Los Angeles/Oxnard office issued the advisory Tuesday, set to take effect at 10 a.m. Thursday and remain in place through 8 p.m. Friday. Forecasters warned that well above normal temperatures could continue well into next week, and that additional heat advisories or extreme heat warnings may be needed.
The advisory covers a broad swath of the region, including the Malibu Coast, Los Angeles County Beaches, the Palos Verdes Hills, the Los Angeles inland coast including downtown Los Angeles, the western and eastern Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas and Agoura Hills, the western and eastern San Fernando Valley, the Santa Clarita Valley, the San Gabriel Valley, the Santa Susana Mountains and the Ventura County coasts and inland valleys.
Cities under the advisory include Santa Monica, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, Northridge, Chatsworth, Culver City, Long Beach, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Pomona, El Monte, Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Westlake Village and dozens of others across the two counties.
Sensitive Populations at High Risk
The NWS said there is a high risk for heat illness for sensitive populations, including the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning and those who are physically active outdoors.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health echoed those warnings, urging residents to take precautions against heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat cramps.
"Heat causes more deaths in the U.S. annually than floods, storms, and lightning combined," said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. "Those most likely to get ill during the heat include older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. Remember, your safety and the safety of others is crucial during extreme heat conditions."
Davis urged anyone experiencing symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion — including dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion or loss of consciousness — to seek medical help immediately.
Other warning signs requiring immediate 911 response include a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, headache, a fast and strong pulse, and hot, red, dry or damp skin.
Precautions Recommended
Health officials offered the following guidance for residents during the advisory period:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day and do not wait until feeling thirsty. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat or use an umbrella when outdoors. Avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day, and apply sunscreen of at least SPF 15 when venturing out. Limit strenuous activity to the early morning or evening hours.
Residents without air conditioning are advised to take cool showers or baths, use stoves and ovens less frequently to avoid further heating their homes and seek out air-conditioned public spaces such as libraries, shopping malls or designated cooling centers.
Officials also stressed that cars can reach dangerous temperatures even with windows slightly open, and warned that children and pets should never be left alone in a vehicle. Anyone who observes a child or pet alone in a car is urged to call 911 immediately.
Cooling Centers Available
County and city partners have planned cooling centers for residents who lack access to air conditioning. To find a location, residents can visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat or call 211, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The 211 service is also available online at 211la.org.
Residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, may also call 211 for emergency preparedness information and referral services.
For city-specific heat risk information, the NWS recommends visiting its HeatRisk website at weather.gov. The tool incorporates current forecasts, historical climate data and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Social Vulnerability Index to calculate localized risk levels.
The public is also encouraged to check on neighbors and relatives who may be especially vulnerable, including older adults, pregnant women, those with chronic medical conditions, people who live alone and outdoor workers and athletes.
Up-to-date information can be found at the county's extreme heat website or by following the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on social media at @lapublichealth.