A long, dangerous heat wave likely will stick around Ventura County at least through Oct. 8, as cities set record high temperatures day after day.
Highs could remain in the triple digits in some local communities, including Ojai and Piru, and reach into the high 90s in other inland spots, from Thousand Oaks to Simi Valley, according to the latest forecast. Closer to the coast, an ocean breeze could help some areas cool off a bit, though temperatures are expected to stay above normal.
In the morning, before that breeze kicks in, temperatures could soar quickly, said Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
"So, our highs can still be quite high, even with that breeze coming in the afternoon," she said.
An extreme
heat warning for much of Ventura and Los Angeles counties is expected to remain in place through Thursday. Days of hot temperatures not only increases the risk of heat-related illness but also for large wildfires. If a fire starts in the wrong area, it could grow quickly, officials said.
Vegetation in local areas has become critically dry, recent samples showed. The Ventura County Fire Department regularly samples the moisture content, which experts say can be a good predictor of fire danger.
When figures drop below the 60% mark – considered critical – fires become more difficult to suppress. As of Sept. 30, the county's average moisture level was 58%, the department reported.
When will the heat wave end?
The forecast calls for the high pressure to start to break down by Friday. Highs, however, are expected to stay well above normal, according to the weather service.
Over the weekend, conditions will cool off a little more. By Sunday, the region likely will return to relatively normal temperatures, Schoenfeld said.
There's a chance of showers, mostly focused over Ventura and Los Angeles County, on Sunday and into early next week, she said.
Oxnard, Camarillo break heat records
During the heat wave, Oxnard broke daily temperature records for three straight days.
On Oct. 3, a high of 97 degrees topped the previous record of 96 set in 2014, according to preliminary figures from the National Weather Service.
Then on Oct. 4, both Camarillo and Oxnard broke records with a high of 99 degrees. Camarillo's previous record of 98 degrees was set in 1953, and Oxnard's high of 94 was set in 2023. The cities – the only two in the county where the weather service tracks historic temperature data – again broke records a day later.
On Oct. 5, Camarillo's preliminary high of 99 degrees topped the previous daily record of 98 set in 2023, the agency reported. In Oxnard, a high of 98 broke the old record of 94, also set in 2023.
Authorities urged residents to take steps to stay cool and to check on family, friends and neighbors. Visit vcemergency.com for more information about local cooling centers and tips for staying cool.
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: How long will the heat wave last? Here's what to expect this weekend
