Blistering summerlike temps are coming to Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES– It’s technically still winter, but it’s starting to feel like summer in Southern California, with forecasters predicting unusually warm weather, including temperatures around 93 degrees (33.8 Celsius) in downtown Los Angeles.
It’s expected to be about 20 degrees warmer than normal for mid-March, the National Weather Service said. This means people will be at higher risk of heat-related illnesses, and forecasters have urged people to avoid outdoor activities during the day.
“If you have to be outside, drink plenty of water,” said Richard Thompson, a meteorologist with the Weather Service office in Los Angeles. “There is definitely potential to set records.”
The hottest day around Los Angeles will be Thursday, with the mercury reaching 95 degrees (35 Celsius) in the San Fernando Valley. Temperatures are usually around 70 (21 Celsius), Thompson said.
Workers on outdoor construction sites will have ample drinking water and electrolyte packets to stay hydrated. They are asked to take frequent breaks, said Junior Pineda, representative of a local unit of the International Union of Masons. & Allied craftsmen.
“And there are always some shadow structures, if guys start to feel a little dizzy and need to take a few minutes,” he said.
Los Angeles city and county officials planned to open cooling centers for residents without air conditioning.
Zack Marquez, who uses a wheelchair, was running errands Wednesday before it got too hot in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood.
“I have to stay hydrated and stay in the shade,” he said.
A sea breeze is expected to cool the coast somewhat on Friday, but inland areas will remain muggy, forecasters say.
Celebrities are flocking to Los Angeles ahead of Sunday’s Oscars, with a slew of events this week taking advantage of the star-studded concentration. But the worst weather should be over in time for the ceremony.
The rest of the state will also experience warmer than normal weather starting next week. Temperatures could exceed 90 (32 Celsius) Monday around San Francisco and the Sacramento area.
