Stay Cool, Stay Safe: High Surf, High Temps In Forecast

LOS ANGELES and ORANGE COUNTIES, CA --- A southerly swell will bring strong rip currents along the Southland coast between today and Thursday as high pressure begins to develop, producing another heat wave beginning this weekend, forecasters said.

High surf is expected on south- and southwest-facing beaches Wednesday and Thursday while strong rip currents may persist through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

In Los Angeles County, a beach hazard statement will be in effect from 6 this morning until late tonight, and a more serious high surf advisory will be in force from 6 a.m. Wednesday until 10 p.m. Thursday. 

In Orange County, a beach hazards statement will be in force all day today, and a high surf advisory will replace it Wednesday, lasting through Thursday.

Waves of between 3 and 5 feet are expected along the coast today, increasing to between 4 and 7 feet Wednesday into Thursday, according to the NWS.

"There is an increased risk of ocean drowning," warned an NWS statement. "Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Sneaker waves can suddenly wash people off of beaches and rock jetties. The combination of surf and high tides could generate minor beach erosion and minor flooding of coastal walkways."

The statement reminded people caught in a rip current to swim parallel to shore until able to break free.

Temperatures, meanwhile, were forecast to rise sharply across the region this week, possibly culminating in record temperatures Sunday and Monday and possibly beyond, according to an NWS statement.

Highs in the 90s are expected in most L.A. County valley areas Saturday, although the Antelope Valley will reach the 100s. 

The combination of strong high pressure aloft and weak offshore winds will cause high temperatures to range between 100 to 110 across the Los Angeles and Ventura county valleys, lower mountain elevations and the Antelope Valley," said the statement.

"Parts of the western San Fernando Valley may even approach 115 degrees on Monday," and downtown L.A. could reach 100 Sunday and Monday, it said.

The weather service urged area residents to begin planning how they will cope with the heat starting this weekend and going into next week. It recommended several self-protective measures:

"Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid being outside during the warmest part of the day. If working outside, work with a buddy and take frequent breaks. Provide water and shelter for animals.  Check on family, friends, neighbors and animals. Also remember to never ever leave children, pets, and the elderly unattended in vehicles, even with windows down."

Temperatures will be rising in hefty spurts this week, even before reaching high heat. 

Downtown L.A., for instance, is forecast to have a high of 74 Thursday, 80 Friday, 89 Saturday and 97 Sunday.

At the same time, Woodland Hills will go from 83 Thursday to 91 Friday, 98 Saturday and 106 Sunday and Monday.

The NWS forecast partly cloudy skies in some Southland communities today, sunny skies in others, and highs in Los Angeles County of 67 in Avalon; 68 at LAX; 71 in Long Beach; 72 on Mount Wilson; 73 in downtown L.A.; 74 in San Gabriel; 75 in Burbank; 78 in Pasadena; 80 in Saugus; 81 in Woodland Hills; 85 in Palmdale; and 86 in Lancaster.

In Orange County, highs were forecast to be 66 in Laguna Beach; 68 in San Clemente; 69 in Newport Beach; 72 in Mission Viejo; 73 in Anaheim and Irvine; 74 in Fullerton; and 75 in Yorba Linda.

--City News Service