Southland Heat Remains Above Normal

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The National Weather Service has forecast that warmer-than-normal conditions will persist in the Southland this week, with the highest temperatures expected from Tuesday through Thursday. While not expected to reach record-breaking levels like last week's heat wave, temperatures will still be 15 to 20 degrees above normal, with highs in the 80s and 90s. Some cooling is anticipated by Friday, but overnight lows will remain elevated throughout the week.

Why it matters

The prolonged heat wave is putting strain on the region's power grid and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations. Residents will need to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during this extended period of above-normal temperatures.

The details

Forecasters say that while the heat will not be as extreme as last week, when several daily temperature records were broken, conditions will still be very warm. Highs are expected to reach the lower 90s in the valleys and 88 degrees in downtown Los Angeles through at least Wednesday. Overnight lows will also remain elevated, with most areas of the Southland hovering in the upper 50s and 60s. The weather service says there may be a need for heat advisories in the valleys, but no warnings are anticipated.

• The heat wave is expected to last from Tuesday, March 22 through Thursday, March 24.
• Last week's heat wave, which began intensifying on Monday, saw record temperatures set on Friday, March 18.

What’s next

Forecasters say the ridge of high pressure causing the heat wave is expected to weaken on Friday, March 25, bringing 3 to 5 degrees of cooling to the coasts and 1 to 3 degrees in the valleys. They also warned of patchy dense fog along the coast and coastal waters, particularly in the morning hours, as a shallow marine layer returns.