A heat wave could raise temperatures into the triple digits in some Ventura County spots this weekend.
Temperatures are expected to start to warm up
July 30, but the following three days – Friday through at least Sunday – likely will be the hottest, said Robbie Munroe, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. The latest forecast showed marginal improvement early next week before another hot spell, he said."That heat might not be going anywhere anytime soon," Munroe said.
Through Sunday, temperatures could reach over 100 degrees in Ojai, Fillmore and other inland spots. Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley areas could see temperatures in the high 90s and highs could reach into the 80s along the coast.
The National Weather Service issued
an extreme heat warning for most local areas, and a less severe heat advisory along the coast and in some mountain spots. The warning and advisory are set to take effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Sunday.
Warnings generally mean not only hot conditions, but also a higher risk of heat-related illnesses, officials said. In excessive heat, authorities urge the public to avoid heavy activity, stay hydrated and find a cool, indoor spot.
How will the heat affect fire danger?
A heat wave can increase the threat of wildfires, depending on conditions from wind to moisture in the brush.
The weekend's hot, dry conditions likely would bring an elevated wildfire risk, particularly in inland areas, said Bryan Lewis, also a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
"It is not the same as a wind-driven event," he said. "There's not a whole lot of wind with this, which is good."
Temperatures could cool a bit early next week, Lewis said. But as of July 29, the forecast showed no clear indication of a significant cool down. Some coastal areas likely would feel some relief depending on the marine layer, he said, but generally, most local areas were expected to remain warm.
Tips for staying cool
Officials recommended limiting daytime activity outdoors during the heat wave. Here are more tips from experts:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- 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.
To sign up for emergency alerts in Ventura County, go to readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert. For more information, visit vcemergency.com.
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: Heat wave could bring triple-digit temperatures this weekend
