Extreme Heat Wave Sends Temperatures Soaring In Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD, CA — The Southland's latest heat wave will continue Tuesday with temperatures as much as 20 degrees above normal across parts of Los Angeles. Much of the county is expected to swelter in near triple-digit temperatures with the mercury soaring above 100 in some communities.

An excessive heat warning will be in effect Tuesday as the National Weather Service forecasts highs of 95-105 in the Antelope Valley, 90-100 in most valley areas, 80-100 in the mountains and foothills, and highs of 75-99 along the coast. In addition to the heat, air quality across Southern California was forecast to be poor Tuesday, prompting officials to encourage people to stay indoors.

"Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," warned the National Weather Service in discussing the Antelope Valley. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

"Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911."

Sunny skies were forecast in L.A. County Tuesday, along with highs of 77 degrees in Avalon; 78 at LAX; 84 on Mount Wilson; 85 in Long Beach; 92 in San Gabriel; 93 in Pasadena and Burbank; 98 in Saugus; 99 in Woodland Hills; and 100 in Palmdale and Lancaster. Temperatures will stay about the same through Thursday, then decline by up to 10 degrees on Friday.

In addition to torrid temperatures, the region is also threatened by bad air Tuesday. The South Coast Air Quality Management District predicted that air quality would be moderate along the coast, in inland Orange County, metropolitan Los Angeles and the San Gabriel mountains, unhealthy for such sensitive groups as asthma sufferers in the Antelope and San Gabriel valleys, and just plain unhealthy in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys.

Discussing the air quality forecast, Dr. Muntu Davis, the L.A. County Health Officer, said in a statement that people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory diseases should minimize outdoor activities. And children who have sensitive conditions, including heart disease, asthma, and other chronic respiratory diseases, should not participate in outdoor physical activity and should stay indoors as much as possible.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.