Heat Wave in Southern California Brings High Surf
Cited: Daily News Wire Services
The Southland’s coastline so a moderate swell up of the central South Pacific, along with strong rip currents and some possible coastal flooding according to forecasters. According to the National Weather Service, a slight chance of shower or thunderstorm activity will come with an infusion of mid-level moisture in the mountains of Ventura County, the antelope Valley and the mountains of Los Angeles County except for them Santa Monica range.
The region’s heat wave, meanwhile, will ease slightly — producing near-normal conditions — but strong high pressure over the Four Corners region is pushing westward, which will produce a return to high, above-normal temperatures, according to the NWS. The heat wave will last until at least mid-week, July 29, with the hottest days expected Monday and Tuesday, NWS forecasters said.
The NWS forecast highs of 74 today, July 24, in Avalon, Newport Beach and at LAX; 82 in Long Beach; 83 in downtown L.A.; 84 on Mount Wilson; 86 in Anaheim; 88 in San Gabriel and Burbank; 89 in Pasadena; 95 in Woodland Hills; 97 in Newhall; and 102 in Palmdale and Lancaster. Temperatures are forecast to rise a few degrees starting Saturday and revert to roughly today’s levels next Friday.
“The heat wave could pose health hazards for anyone outdoors, especially for the elderly, small children and pets,” an NWS advisory said. “If you plan on being outdoors, remember to remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water, wear loose-fitting clothing and a halt, and remain in the shade or indoors as much as possible.
“Never leave children or pets in cars with the windows up or cracked during the day, even for a very short time, as temperatures can quickly reach lethal levels.”
Along the coast, a high surf advisory issued by the NWS will be in effect until 10 p.m. Saturday, July 25, in Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Also in effect, until 10 p.m. Saturday, is a coastal flood advisory along the Orange County Coast, and NWS forecasters said that minor coastal flooding was possible over low-lying, south-facing beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The high surf was blamed on a “moderate” swell out of the central South Pacific. Forecasters said it would produce surf of between 4-6 feet, with maximum sets of up to 8 feet.
The NWS advisory also cautioned of high tides and high surf that could bring minor coastal flooding of exposed low-lying areas and minor beach erosion. They also warned those planning to swim in the ocean that conditions may be dangerous and they should remain close to a lifeguard station in case of a problem.
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My Take: I do not feel sorry for Southern California in the heat wave. I do sympathize with those that are in the areas it may be flooded because that is not fun. As for the heat wave, I say “Poor Southern California”! They think 90° is hot? Why do they not try coming to Arizona during the summertime? It only gets between 100°-115° in the summertime. It is really nice, NOT!
Of course, there is one difference between Southern California and Phoenix Arizona and that is the humidity. Arizona only gets the humidity during the monsoon season when the rains are supposed to be here. It seems like most of the time we get lots the humidity in very little rain, at least in Phoenix.
This is the place for you do not want to be a firefighter wearing Flame Resistant Clothing in the summertime. Flame resistant coveralls may be great when you are fighting a fire, but not in 115° heat on top of it. During the summertime, firefighters would prefer being at Big Surf and surfing at on Arizona’s own man-made waves.
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