Knowing that, until now, summer in Los Angeles this year has been pretty mild is of no comfort as we enter a looming stretch of hot, sticky days. (We'd usually say it's cold comfort, but nothing is cold this week.)
Through at least Saturday, August 23, Angelenos have the privilege of trading in paradise for one of the season's most intense heat waves, with triple-digit highs cooking almost every valley and inland corner of the city. Downtown L.A. is flirting with hitting a new record, Woodland Hills is looking at a possible 109°F, and even coastal-adjacent spots are feeling the heat. And sadly, there looks to be little respite over the coming days. Nights will stay sweltering, with temps dipping down just to the 70s.
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In addition to heat warnings, Los Angeles and Ventura mountains and foothills are under a red flag warning for fires through at least the weekend, as are the San Fernando and Antelope Valleys, the San Gabriel foothills, the Santa Claritas and the inland canyons.
But wait, there's more! Friday brings with it a 20-percent chance of thunderstorms in the mountains of L.A. and San Bernardino counties, which could mean flooding and lightning strikes that could spark fires. In other words, L.A. is flirting with a perfect trifecta: heat, fire risk and stormy drama. It makes that 2023 "hurriquake" look like child's play.
"Ahead of expected high temperatures later this week, city departments are taking action to keep Angelenos safe," Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement. "I encourage Angelenos to stay cool, stay hydrated, check on neighbors, and know that resources are available citywide to help keep you safe."
Suddenly, going into the office isn't looking quite as bad. But we can't all hide in a conference room for the free AC, and you can only stand in the freezer aisle of a grocery store for so long before you start getting weird looks. If you can't take the heat, investigate one of the cooling centers located around L.A., in addition to the ones located at public libraries. Silver lining: At least now we have an excuse to stay home and cancel those plans we made for a Runyon Canyon hike this weekend.