As high heat blankets Southern California, residents are asking: Why is it so hot?
Areas across the region, and parts of the Central Valley, are currently under a heat advisory and extreme heat warning, with more to come as the heat is forecasted to increase through the week.
A heat advisory went in effect for the coastal areas and islands of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties starting from 10 a.m. on Aug. 24, and is scheduled to last until 10 a.m. Aug. 25, according to the National Weather Service.
The counties will be under extreme heat watch starting Aug. 25 until the evening of Aug. 28, the agency says.
San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys as well as the Inland Empire are under a heat advisory until 10 a.m. on Aug. 24, and an extreme
heat warning from 10 a.m. on Aug. 24 until 8 p.m. on Aug. 28.
How hot will it be?
Several cities across Southern California are expected to reach triple digits.
Here are some cities expected to get high temperatures:
- Ojai- 106 degrees
- Simi Valley- 105 degrees
- Santa Clarita- 107 degrees
- Lancaster- 106 degrees
- Victorville- 103 degrees
- Palm Springs- 108 degrees
- Borrego Springs- 109 degrees
- San Bernardino- 104 degrees
Why is it hot in California?
High pressure over the area is causing the high temperatures, said Rich Thompson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Warmer waters, caused by El Niño, also keep the nights hot, he added.
Although the El Niño conditions are affecting the possibility of cooling down, this weather is "not out of the ordinary for this time of year," Thompson said.
What is El Niño?
El Niño is a part of a natural climate cycle officially known as El Niño-Southern Oscillation, called ENSO by scientists—the cycle swings between warmer and cooler seawater in a region along the equator in the tropical Pacific.
El Niño occurs when Pacific Ocean water is at least 0.9 degrees warmer than average for three consecutive months.
The intermediate stage is known as ENSO-Neutral, when neither La Niña nor El Niño are present.
The Pacific is currently undergoing an El Niño cycle.
How to stay safe during the heat
The National Weather Service has provided tips to prepare for the heat, stay cool, and help out when heatstroke occurs.
How to prepare for a heatwave:
- Gather food, water, and medication, and keep them ready and in a safe place.
- Make a list of friends, family, or vulnerable neighbors to check on.
- Familiarize yourself with local cooling shelters or cool locations.
- Postpone any previously planned outdoor events.
What to do in a heatwave:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid the sun and outdoor areas and seek shelter in an air-conditioned environment.
- If outdoors, take breaks and use the buddy system.
- Check on pets and keep them indoors or in cool and shaded areas.
Someone suffering from heatstroke may seem confused, experience dizziness, and may fall unconscious. When treating someone for heatstroke, make sure to call 911, move the victim to a cooler area, remove any extra layers, loosen clothing, and cool them down with water or an ice pack, the weather service said.
Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com, 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Why is it so hot in California? What to know about the heat in SoCal
