Los Angeles County health officials issued an extreme heat warning for Friday, Oct. 2, through Thursday, Oct. 8, as a long heat wave pushes temperatures well above normal across the coast and valleys. The LA County Department of Public Health said: "Unusually warm overnight conditions are forecast to impact the region."
The warning covers the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel valleys, the Santa Monica and Santa Susana mountains, Calabasas and Agoura Hills, the Los Angeles inland coast, the Malibu coast, the Palos Verdes Hills, county beaches, and Catalina Island. The Antelope Valley is not on the county's list.
For families, the timing is part of the risk. By October, many households have put away fans, schools are back in full session, and outdoor sports and weekend events are packed. A week of heat this late in the season can catch people unprepared.
A Long Heat Wave Arrives in October
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles called it a "long-duration heat wave," with extreme heat warnings in effect for the coast and valleys of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. In a forecast discussion issued Oct. 1, forecasters wrote, "A major and long-lasting heat wave will begin Friday and last through all of next week at least."
That discussion forecast valley highs in the upper 90s to 105 degrees on Friday and 100 to 107 on Saturday. The Los Angeles coast was expected to reach the low to mid 90s, with other coastal areas in the mid to upper 80s on Friday. Temperatures were expected to run 10 to 20 degrees above normal, but forecasters said record highs were not likely.
NBC Los Angeles forecast mid to high 90s for the Los Angeles basin, with inland valleys reaching the upper 90s to 108. "A long-duration heat wave is going to be in effect, starting (Friday) through at least next Thursday," said NBC4 meteorologist Shanna Mendiola.
All of these numbers are forecasts and can change. Forecasters also expect moisture from Hurricane Rachel early next week, which may raise humidity and bring a small chance of mountain thunderstorms.
Warm Nights Raise the Stakes
The NWS said overnight lows would also stay above normal, limiting the body's ability to recover. Without a cool break at night, heat stress can build day after day, especially in homes without air conditioning.
"Heat causes more deaths in the U.S. annually than floods, storms, and lightning combined," said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer.
The county listed the people at highest risk: older adults, young children, pregnant people, people with chronic medical conditions, people living alone, outdoor workers, and athletes. People without air conditioning also need extra attention. Some common medications, including some for blood pressure and mental health conditions, can make it harder for the body to handle heat.
Neighbors and relatives can help by checking on older adults and people who live alone during the heat wave. A quick phone call can catch early signs of trouble.
Warning Signs of Heat Illness
Heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, cold, pale, and clammy skin, a fast but weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headache, and fainting, according to the CDC. People with these signs should move to a cool place, loosen clothing, and sip water. They should get medical help if they vomit, if symptoms worsen, or if symptoms last more than an hour.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs include a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, hot, red, dry or damp skin, a fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and passing out. Call 911, move the person somewhere cooler, and use cool cloths or a cool bath while waiting for help. Do not give the person anything to drink.
Children and pets should never be left in a parked car, even for a short time. "Cars get very hot inside, even if the windows are 'cracked' or open," the county warned.
Staying Cool Through the Week
The county and its city partners operate cooling centers with air conditioning, restrooms, drinking water, and accessible entrances. Residents can find locations and hours on the county's Ready LA County heat page or by calling 211, which operates around the clock.
The Ready LA County page advises staying indoors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Health officials also recommend drinking water regularly, even before feeling thirsty. The CDC advises avoiding very sugary or alcoholic drinks. Lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat help outdoors.
Coaches and parents can move practices and games to early morning or evening, add water breaks, and watch for players who seem confused. Under California's heat illness rules, employers must provide outdoor workers with water and shade and allow cool-down rest breaks.
People without air conditioning can spend the hottest part of the day at a cooling center, library, or mall. A fan alone may not prevent heat illness once temperatures climb into the high 90s, and a cool shower or bath can help bring body temperature down.
Residents can check NWS forecasts and county alerts before planning outdoor activities during the week.
Key Questions Answered
When is the extreme heat warning in effect? From Friday, Oct. 2, through Thursday, Oct. 8.
Which areas are covered? The San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel valleys, the Santa Monica Mountains, the inland coast, Malibu, Palos Verdes, beaches, and Catalina, among others.
How hot will it get? Forecasts call for valley highs from the upper 90s to about 107 degrees, with coastal areas from the mid-80s to the mid-90s.
Who is most at risk? Older adults, young children, pregnant people, people with chronic illnesses, people living alone, outdoor workers, athletes, and people without air conditioning.
What are the signs of heat stroke? A temperature of 103 degrees or higher, hot red skin, a fast, strong pulse, confusion, or fainting. Call 911.
Where can residents find cooling centers? On the Ready LA County heat page or by calling 211.
Published by Medicaldaily.com
