Heat Wave Makes OC Hottest Place in America

The Orange County will bask in unseasonably warm temperatures again today, with highs likely to hit the upper 80s and lower 90s in some communities and record highs expected, forecasters said.

Santa Ana conditions will weaken through this afternoon, but light offshore winds are expected to persist through Wednesday. The offshore flow and high pressure aloft will support unseasonably warm temperatures, a National Weather Service statement said.

The heat wave made parts of Orange County the hottest place in America Sunday, The Los Angeles Times reported.

“The occurrence of unseasonably hot temperatures for this time of year may result in heat-related impact for certain groups, including the elderly, or those working or recreating outdoors,” the National Weather Service statement said. “Take action to protect yourself and others, including pets and livestock that may be affected by the dry heat.”

Strong winds appeared to be less of a factor than Monday but have not disappeared. A wind advisory will be in force until 3 p.m. today in the mountains and valleys.

Northeast winds of between 20 and 30 miles per hour accompanied by 45- mph gusts are expected in the advisory area through mid-afternoon, according to the NWS, which warned that the wind could make driving difficult and cause trees and power lines to topple, triggering power outages.

But no red flag warnings denoting a high risk of wildfire were in effect this morning. NWS meteorologist Curt Kaplan said that because of strong winds and low humidity levels -- between 10 and 20 percent -- the risk of fire remains elevated but is not critical.

The NWS forecast sunny skies today and highs of 79 in Laguna Beach; 80 in Newport Beach and San Clemente; 81 in Avalon; 87 in Fullerton; 89 in Mission Viejo, Long Beach and downtown L.A.; and 92 in Yorba Linda.

Temperatures will decline by a few degrees Wednesday and some more in the following days but remain above normal through at least early next week.

City News Service