Heatwave: North Hollywood Cooling Centers Open Labor Day Weekend

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA — The county will once again open cooling centers throughout Los Angeles for residents looking to escape record high temperatures this Labor Day weekend. North Hollywood is expected to register three straight days of triple digit temperatures with forecasts of 110, 110 and 101 from Saturday to Monday.

Officials are calling upon residents to conserve power to help protect the state's power grid. A voluntary flex alert will be in place from Saturday through Monday between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. During these times, conservation measures such as turning off extra lights, setting thermostats to no less than 78 degrees, and unplugging electronic devices are highly encouraged.

``Labor Day weekend temperatures are forecast 10-20 degrees above normal for California, and the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use,'' the California Independent System Operator said in a statement. ``Overnight temperatures statewide are projected to beat least 10 degrees higher than normal, which doesn't allow infrastructure tocool down. High heat is also predicted throughout the West for the weekend, which can limit the ISO's ability to import energy to serve demand.''

Cal-ISO Vice president Eric Schmitt said he doesn't expect any rolling blackouts, but acknowledged the situation could change "very, very suddenly."

North Hollywood residents can head to the Buena Vista Library will operate as a cooling center from 12 p.m. through 6 p.m. between Friday and Tuesday. Space will be limited and community members are urged to call ahead to confirm availability.

Even if you decide not to head to a center, authorities advise residents to take extra precautions to avoid heat related illnesses.

"If you cannot get to a Cooling Center, try closing window shades and curtains, drinking plenty of water or nonalcoholic and caffeine-free liquids, taking a cool shower or bath, limiting strenuous activities, and trying to avoid using a stove or oven," the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a statement."