Southern California faced more summer-like weather Wednesday as a spring heat wave headed toward its peak.
Heat advisories for a swath of the region were expected to be in effect until Thursday night, the National Weather Service said.
Temperatures were expected to range from 85 to 90 degrees near some coastal areas and much higher inland due to the continuing influence of high pressure centered over northern Baja California.
On Tuesday, inland cities such as San Bernardino hit 99 while Palm Springs roasted at 106 degrees.
“A hot air mass will remain in place through at least Thursday, but the overall set up of the weather pattern is a bit more complex for Thursday,” said the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said their discussions suggest temperatures will cool as we head into the weekend and there are several factors suggesting winds and temperatures could both drop off sooner than expected but for now, their models still predict a hot Thursday.
What this all adds up to is a bit more uncertainty for Thursday’s temperature forecast,” said their regional forecast. “Temperatures were trended cooler for most areas south of Point Conception for Thursday. Regardless, daytime temperatures for Thursday will still be 15-20 degrees above normal for this time of year and hot air mass for this time of year will remain in place.”
Los Angeles County said eight cooling centers would operate from noon to 6 p.m. through Thursday for people who lack air-conditioning at home. The centers will comply with physical distancing measures required due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Smog regulators warned of likely poor air quality in many areas of the South Coast Air Basin and the Coachella Valley.
“Although Los Angeles saw one of its greatest stretches of clean air in early spring due to rain-fall and reduced economic activity that came as a result of the COVID-19 stay-at-home measures, these changes were only temporary,” the South Coast Air Quality Management District said.
Much cooler conditions are expected by the weekend due to a large low-pressure system over the northeast Pacific.
Officials said the warm weather may remind residents of summer but the stay at home orders remain in place.
Restrictions include:
Beaches, beach bike paths, the Pier, Palisades Park, public trails and beach access points, including Ocean Front Walk, are temporarily closed through May 15, 2020. Read the Press Re-lease. Watch the LA County Video.
Public pools at the Annenberg Community Beach House and the Santa Monica Swim Center, as well as splash pads, remain closed through May 15, 2020. View all facility closures.
All parks other than Palisades Park remain open but the public must adhere to COVID-19 safety measures when outside their home.
Physical distancing, keeping 6 ft. of distance between yourself/your household and all other members of the public is required when in our public parks.
All persons in public must also continue to wear a cloth face covering when in public and in contact with others.
