Southern California faces a long, hot week as temperatures climb well above normal day after day, increasing health risks and the threat of wildfires.
Locally, highs could reach as much as 15 degrees above normal in spots, as a high pressure system camps out over the region. The hottest days are expected Aug. 25-27, said David Gomberg, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
Temperatures over 100 degrees are possible in Ojai, Simi Valley, Santa Paula, Fillmore and nearby areas. Even by the shore, temperatures could rise far above normal, with highs expected in the 80s along the coast. Just a few miles inland, highs likely will reach well into the 90s, Gomberg said.
"Especially for the coast and the coastal valleys, I would
say this is the hottest we've seen for the summer," he said.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for much of Ventura County. The warning is set to take effect Tuesday morning and run through Friday.
The agency also issued a red flag warning for potentially hazardous fire conditions for parts of the county, including the mountains above Ojai and Fillmore areas. The warning also is set to take effect Tuesday morning.
Will the heat wave increase wildfire risk?
A heat wave can increase the threat of wildfires, depending on factors from wind to the moisture levels in the brush.
So far, those moisture levels in Ventura County have stayed just on the cusp of what is considered critically dry. Once levels reach the critical mark, fires become more difficult to suppress.
Every two weeks, the Ventura County Fire Department samples the moisture content in spots around the county, which experts say can be a good predictor of fire danger. In wet conditions, as the vegetation becomes saturated, levels can exceed 100%.
Then in the summer, the numbers fall. When they drop below the 60% mark – considered critical – firefighters say larger fires are possible. As of Aug. 13, the county's average moisture level was 64%, the department reported. In the Santa Monica Mountains, samples had already dipped below that mark.
The forecast this week does not show any Santa Ana winds – ones typically associated with dangerous fire conditions. But the weather service said northerly winds, particularly in the Ventura mountains, could make it drier and warmer in spots.
Will there be power outages?
Southern California Edison announced it may shut off power in the region in case of hazardous conditions. But no Ventura County spots were included in the list to be monitored as of early Monday afternoon.
The utility company plans to monitor circuits and said lines could be de-energized to prevent electrical equipment from sparking a fire — outages called Public Safety Power Shutoffs, or PSPS. The monitored areas included around 5,300 customers in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Inyo and Mono counties, officials said.
Gomberg said to expect a slow cool off. Above normal temperatures were expected to continue Friday, and the forecast was still uncertain into the weekend, he said on Aug. 24.
"I would say overall we should start to trend downward a little bit over the weekend, and probably a better chance early next week," he said.
More information about potential power outages is available at sce.com/psps. For a map of areas being monitored or outages, visit sce.com/outage-center/check-outage-status.
Local information about the heat wave and cooling centers is available at vcemergency.com. To sign up for emergency alerts, go to readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert/.
Tips for staying cool
Experts recommend people prepare for hot days and consider adjusting their routine because of the heat. Tips for cooling off include:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Limit time outdoors and wear loose, lightweight clothing in light colors.
- Don't leave any people or pets locked in vehicles.
- Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
Cheri Carlson covers the environment and county government for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at cheri.carlson@vcstar.com.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: These local areas could see highs over 100 degrees in this week's heat wave
