Southern California braces for another September heat wave
Thousands of residents in Southern California are bracing for another sweltering one in September, as the National Weather Service looks at a total of 17 days of heat and high temperatures over the next three week to determine if heat index values remain above normal.
The heat wave is expected to peak during Labor Day, with temperatures projected to be in the upper 70s.
The heat was expected to last four to seven days and then pass before cooling off by Labor Day, according to the NWS in San Diego.
The hottest day could top the record of 115 degrees set in San Diego in 2007, according to the NWS.
The NWS in Los Angeles has the potential to reach 85 degrees on Labor Day between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
The NWS is also forecasting a heat wave for Ventura County and Santa Barbara County in September, which can top out around 90 degrees with high temperatures reaching the upper 90s with 100 percent humidity. If the conditions continue, the heat will continue through the end of next week, the NWS says in a statement.
The heat index in Ventura and Santa Barbara will make it feel as if you’re indoors when you’re outside, the NWS says.
“Keep in mind that this is not ‘inside-out’ heat. This is hot, dry, dry air. High temperatures have consistently topped out over 100 degrees,” the NWS says.
The air will be dry enough on the day but moist enough to feel like it’s been baking when you’re out and about, and people should carry an umbrella with them if they plan to take a walk on a hot day.
“Ways to cool off quickly include walking, cycling, taking a power walk, walking in the shade, wearing a light-colored shirt (or lightweight summer T-shirt),” the NWS says.
Some communities on the west coast are taking action to prepare.
In Ventura County, residents are encouraged to check out the Cool to You County website or Facebook page to learn about ways you can cool