Heat advisory, beach hazards in effect as Southern California sizzles

Southern California is bracing for several days of dangerous heat, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties while warning beachgoers of hazardous ocean conditions along the coast.

KTLA meteorologist Henry DiCarlo said Thursday’s heat is only the beginning of a prolonged stretch of above-average temperatures expected to last well into next week.

“We’re going to be warm through the weekend,” DiCarlo said. “There is a weekend cool down, but then we get hot again next week. So this hotter trend that we have is really not going anywhere anytime soon.”

According to the National Weather Service, the heat advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Tuesday for portions of southwest California, including the Los Angeles County inland coast, downtown Los Angeles and the northern Ventura County mountains.

Forecasters expect highs ranging from 85 to 90 degrees across coastal valleys and 90 to 105 degrees in interior valleys.

While Southern California routinely experiences hot weather in July, DiCarlo said this event stands out because of its duration and intensity.

“It’s one thing to be hot, which is average this time of year,” he said. “But when we go 95, 100, that’s well above the average.”

Health officials urge residents to limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water and seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

DiCarlo also reminded pet owners to take extra precautions.

“If it’s hot for you, it’s hot for them,” he said. “Don’t leave kids, don’t leave your pets in the car. Don’t take your pet for a walk in the middle of the day. They’re not wearing shoes, and those pads can get burned rather quickly.”

The hot, humid conditions could also make temperatures feel even warmer, especially in the high desert, where actual highs are forecast to reach around 105 degrees. A chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms next week may increase humidity, creating an even more uncomfortable feel.

Along the coast, beachgoers are also being urged to use caution as elevated surf and dangerous rip currents continue.

The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement through Saturday evening for Los Angeles and Ventura county beaches, where strong rip currents and breaking waves could create life-threatening swimming conditions.

Officials recommend swimming near an occupied lifeguard tower, never turning your back on the ocean and avoiding jetties and rock structures, where waves can unexpectedly sweep people into the water.

With the prolonged heat expected to continue, forecasters say residents should continue monitoring the forecast and prepare for additional advisories as temperatures remain well above seasonal averages through next week.