A two-day hot spell expected to send temperatures in Los Angeles and several other communities into the 90s will get underway today, forecasters said.
In Santa Monica, expect a high of 84 today and 80 on Friday.
National Weather Service forecasters said the heat will result from an unseasonably hot air mass being formed as a strong ridge of high pressure builds over the area and an offshore flow develops.
Some heat records for a March 27 are expected Friday. Then, “a cooling trend is expected through the weekend, with highs in the mid 70s to mid 80s by Saturday and in the 70s to near 80 by Sunday,” an NWS statement said.
Also expected this weekend is high surf, strong rip currents and sneaker waves along south-facing beaches as a result of a long-period Southern Hemisphere swell that will move into coastal waters Friday, according to the NWS.
A beach hazard statement will be in effect in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties from late tonight through Sunday afternoon.
The NWS forecast sunny skies today and highs of 76 on Mount Wilson; 78 in San Clemente; 81 in Laguna Beach; 82 in Avalon, Palmdale, Lancaster and Newport Beach; 88 at LAX; 89 in Long Beach and Saugus; 90 in Mission Viejo; 91 in downtown L.A., San Gabriel, Burbank and Anaheim; 92 in Pasadena, Woodland Hills, Fullerton and Irvine; and 93 in Yorba Linda. Friday’s highs will be a few degrees lower, according to the latest forecast.
“If planning outdoor activities, it is advised to schedule these activities during the cooler parts of the day such as the morning or evening hours,” urged an NWS statement. “If activities cannot be rescheduled, avoid direct sunlight and seek shaded areas, if possible.”
The weather service also urged residents planning to perform strenuous outdoor activities to wear light-colored, light-weight clothing and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
And, added the NWS statement, “never, ever, leave children, pets, or the elderly alone in the car. Remember to look before you lock.”
