Southern California is baking under a powerful heat wave this week, prompting urgent warnings for more than 8 million people to limit time outdoors and stay cool.
The National Weather Service (NWS) extended its heat advisory through 9 p.m. Thursday as temperatures climb up to 20 degrees above seasonal norms in multiple counties.
Officials urge residents to stay indoors
The advisory, issued by the NWS Los Angeles office, urges people to avoid direct sunlight, drink plenty of fluids, and never leave people or pets inside closed vehicles.
Health officials warn that the risk of heat-related illness is especially high for children, seniors, outdoor workers, and anyone without air conditioning.
The alert covers a wide swath of the region, including:
- Calabasas and Agoura Hills
- Hollywood and Beverly Hills
- Eastern and Western San Fernando Valley
- Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Areas
- East Los Angeles
“Significant” heat, but not the worst this year
NWS meteorologist Mike Wofford said this particular wave is less intense than one that hit earlier in the season, but it’s still dangerous—especially for those exerting themselves outdoors.
“We’re still talking about being 15 to 20 degrees above normal in some spots,” Wofford said. “That’s significant, especially this early in the season.”
Despite the elevated temperatures, Wofford noted that this single event doesn’t predict whether the region will experience a hotter-than-average summer overall.
Texas scorched too as national heat builds
Southern California isn’t the only region under pressure. Last week, parts of Texas saw temperatures spike high enough to surpass Death Valley. That triggered an extreme heat warning for the Austin area.
Meteorologists say these early-season heat events highlight the need for local preparedness as warming patterns continue nationwide.
What to expect next
Forecasts show the heat will likely peak between Wednesday and Thursday, then start to ease into the weekend. Normal temperatures are expected to return by Sunday or Monday.
In the meantime, local officials are reminding residents to:
- Limit time outdoors during the afternoon
- Use air conditioning or visit cooling centers
- Check on elderly family and neighbors
- Keep pets indoors and hydrated
Heat illness risk remains high
The NWS says sensitive populations face the greatest danger. Even brief exposure can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or worse.
“There’s a high risk for heat illness among the very young, the very old, and those who are active outdoors,” the agency said in its latest statement.
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