October Heat Wave Scorches California, Wildfire Fears Rise
A brutal October heat wave continues to grip Southern California, with temperatures soaring to triple digits in the valleys and even along the coast. Forecasters say the extreme conditions could persist for several more days, raising concerns about wildfires and straining the state's power grid.
How hot is it in Southern California right now?
The National Weather Service says highs in the 90s to low 100s are expected again Sunday and Monday for the valleys and many coastal areas. Temperatures are running 15 to 27 degrees above normal for this time of year, and unusually warm overnight lows are making it harder for people to cool down.
Some relief is expected by Thursday, with significant cooling by next weekend. But until then, extreme heat warnings remain in effect for coastal and valley areas of Los Angeles County and for coastal and inland Orange County.
Why is the wildfire danger elevated?
The hot, dry conditions have prompted warnings of elevated wildfire danger for much of the week. Firefighters were already battling a 1,000-acre wildfire in the Angeles National Forest near Santa Clarita over the weekend, working in brutal conditions.
With electrical demand expected to soar as residents crank up their air conditioners, power providers are urging customers to conserve energy to help avoid outages.
What is Cal-ISO doing about the power supply?
The California Independent System Operator, or Cal-ISO, which manages the state's power grid, has issued a Restricted Maintenance Operations notice for Monday and Tuesday. The agency is asking suppliers to avoid actions that could jeopardize generator or transmission availability.
We are not forecasting any supply shortfalls at this time, but wanted to prepare consumers in the event that we need to call a Flex Alert, the agency said in a statement.
A Flex Alert is a voluntary call for conservation. If conditions worsen, Cal-ISO could issue additional emergency alerts, potentially leading to rolling blackouts in the most critical situations.
How can residents conserve energy?
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power suggests residents take simple steps to reduce strain on the grid:
- Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher during the hottest parts of the day
- Avoid using major appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and vacuum cleaners
- Avoid using stoves or ovens that can increase indoor heat
- Close curtains and blinds to reduce sunlight in the home
- Turn off lights and other electrical equipment when not in use
- Unplug items like cell phone chargers and microwave ovens that use power even when idle
What temperature records were broken?
Saturday brought a wave of new daily records, according to the National Weather Service:
- 102 degrees at Hollywood Burbank Airport, breaking the old record of 101 set in 1943
- 105 degrees in Anaheim, breaking the old record of 103 set in 2014
- 107 degrees in Santa Ana, breaking the old record of 102 set in 2014
Record warm overnight lows were also set, including 76 in Anaheim, 72 in Santa Ana and 70 in Newport Beach. Friday saw records in downtown Los Angeles (103), Long Beach Airport (103), Anaheim (103) and Santa Ana (105).
What safety tips should residents follow?
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health urges residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during the hottest hours and use air-conditioned spaces or cooling centers if they cannot keep their homes cool.
Residents without air conditioning can find cooling centers, splash pads and community pools by calling 211. The city of Los Angeles also points residents to public libraries, recreation facilities and senior centers. They can call 311 or visit emergency.lacity.gov/heat.
Officials remind everyone to never leave children or pets inside unattended vehicles, as temperatures inside a car can turn deadly in minutes.
What about beach conditions?
Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves are expected at area beaches this week due to elevated surf of 3 to 6 feet and abnormally high tides. The NWS issued a beach hazards statement from Tuesday afternoon through Friday evening.
Forecasters say temperatures will trend cooler each day beginning Friday, with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms due to moisture from distant Hurricane Rachel.