LOS ANGELES (AP) — Spring is just a week away and it’s already starting to feel like summer in Southern California, with forecasters predicting unusually hot weather, with temperatures reaching the 90s around Los Angeles.
The National Weather Service says temperatures are expected to be about 20 degrees above normal on Thursday and Friday in mid-March. This means people are at a higher risk of suffering from heat stroke. Officials urged people to drink more fluids and avoid outdoor activities during the day.
Brian Lewis, a meteorologist with the Los Angeles Weather Bureau office, said winter heat waves are caused by a combination of high pressure and a lack of cold winds blowing from the Pacific Ocean.
“The nation’s air conditioner, as we call it, is essentially shut down right now,” Lewis said Thursday. “We may tie or break multiple temperature records throughout Los Angeles County.”
The hottest day around Los Angeles will be Thursday, with temperatures possibly reaching 93 degrees (33.8 degrees Celsius) in downtown Los Angeles and 95 degrees (35 degrees Celsius) in the San Fernando Valley. The temperature is usually about 70 degrees Celsius (21 degrees Celsius).
Workers on outdoor construction sites will have plenty of drinking water and electrolyte packs to stay hydrated. Junior Pineda, a representative of the local chapter of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen, said they are required to take frequent breaks.
“If people start to feel a little dizzy and need to take a break for a few minutes, there’s always a shade structure,” he said Wednesday.
Los Angeles city and county officials plan to open cooling centers for residents without air conditioning.
Zach Marks, who uses a wheelchair, was taking care of some business before the weather got too hot in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood on Wednesday.
“It’s imperative to stay hydrated and stay in the shade,” he said.
Forecasters say sea breezes will cool the coast slightly on Friday but will remain sweltering inland.
Celebrities are descending on Los Angeles ahead of Sunday’s Oscars, with a series of events taking advantage of the star-studded event this week. But the worst of the weather should be over before the ceremony can take place.
The rest of the state will also experience warmer than normal weather starting next week. Temperatures around San Francisco and the Sacramento area could reach 90 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Celsius) on Monday.
