Parts of Southern California saw record-breaking temperatures on Thursday, March 12, with more heat on the way for the weekend and going into next week.
In Orange County, temperatures in Santa Ana reached up to 97 degrees on Thursday, breaking a record of 92 degrees set in 2007 since the National Weather Service began recording temperatures in the area back in 1906, according to NWS meteorologist Chandler Price.
Long Beach temperatures hit 92 degrees on Thursday, tying a record set back in 2007 – the highest temperatures for the day since the NWS began recording them in that city back in 1958, according to meteorologist Lisa Phillips.
Southern California residents should expect more heat this weekend and going into next week, Price said. The high pressure system currently above the region is blocking the lower-pressure system from bringing in colder air, in addition to the offshore winds bringing in drier air.
“We’re looking at never-ending heat, pretty much,” Price said.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for LA, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties that went into effect Thursday and will remain until Friday at 8 p.m.
The weekend will bring a gradual cooldown from Thursday’s heat while still maintaining above-average temperatures across the region.
Orange County residents this weekend should expect temperatures in the mid 70s to mid 80s.
Over in the Inland Empire, temperatures on Saturday will be in the upper 80s to low 90s. Sunday temperatures will be about five to 10 degrees warmer, with temperatures in the low 90s to low 100s expected.
LA County will see temperatures in the upper 70s along the coast, and 80s in the valleys and interior on Saturday. Sunday will see temperatures in the 80s close to the coast and in the low 90s in the valleys.
Next week, LA residents should experience temperatures in the low 100s in the valleys, upper 80s near the coast, and in the 90s in the interior from Tuesday through Thursday.
Orange County residents next week should expect temperatures along the coast to be close to 80 degrees, while inland OC will see temperatures in the low to mid 90s.
In the Inland Empire, temperatures next week are expected to be in the mid to high 90s and up to the low 100s in parts of the region.
“Given the unprecedented length and magnitude of this extreme heat wave, heat stress will be a real threat each day, especially in areas that aren`t used to the heat, like the coastal areas, where people may not have methods to cool off their homes. Try to complete outdoor activities early in the day or in the evening, and don`t leave people or pets in cars,” the NWS said on its website.
“This is very out of the ordinary,” Price said. “Drink more water than usual, find shade, avoid outdoor activity… Just because it’s March doesn’t mean you can’t get heat exhaustion.”