October heat wave to bring 100-degree temperatures, wildfire risk to Southern California
A prolonged October heat wave will push temperatures toward record levels in Southern California, with little relief at night and an elevated wildfire risk through the weekend.
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The calendar may say October, but summer refuses to let go, with extreme heat expected to scorch Southern California this weekend. This will be an especially long-duration heat wave, lasting through much of next week.
A large heat dome is forecast to strengthen over most of Nevada and California into next week, with high temperatures reaching the lower 90s to mid-100s for the Southern California coasts and in the valleys. The heat is expected to peak this weekend.
LA heat wave to reach 'extreme' on AccuWeather HeatWave Counter and Severity Index™
In Los Angeles, the heat wave through Oct. 8 is forecast to be extreme on AccuWeather's HeatWave Severity Index™.
"The heat is expected to intensify Saturday in Southern California, with the high in downtown Los Angeles expected to approach 100 degrees," AccuWeather Meteorologist Lauren Bader said.
Los Angeles is forecast to approach its record high on Monday. The record for the date is 101 degrees Fahrenheit, set in 1971. The historical average high in early October is around 80 degrees.
"There will be little relief from the heat overnight, with lows expected to remain in the 70s across the Los Angeles basin into early next week. The warm nights can lead to uncomfortable sleeping conditions, especially for those without air conditioning," Bader added.
San Diego will not be spared from the heat. Highs will likely exceed the 90-degree mark beginning Friday and continue through at least the middle of next week. Daily record highs could be challenged this weekend. Farther inland, Palm Springs is expected to have highs near or above the 100-degree mark through next week.
For beachgoers hoping to escape the heat over the weekend, weak offshore winds will allow temperatures along the coast in Southern California to climb into the lower to mid-90s, providing little relief. However, offshore winds typically result in lower humidity levels, allowing the human body to naturally cool off more easily compared to a more humid environment.
The heat will coincide with an elevated wildfire risk. Through Sunday, a few weak disturbances are expected to traverse the large dome of high pressure over the Southwest, resulting in periods of stronger winds. The combination of low humidity, high temperatures and gusty winds can allow any fires that ignite to spread rapidly.
While early-fall heat is not uncommon in Southern California, the duration of this heat wave will increase its impacts. AccuWeather meteorologists expect the heat to continue through at least the middle of next week, potentially longer.
With little relief at night, prolonged heat can have compounding effects, especially for people who work outside or lack adequate cooling. This heat can also pose risks to pets, as vehicles can become extremely hot in a short time and hot pavement can injure animals' paws.
"As the dome of high pressure remains over the Southwest, high temperatures are expected to remain 10-15 degrees above the historical average in many areas through late next week," Bader said.
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