Southern California under extreme heat advisory
More than eight million people across Southern California are currently under a heat advisory, as temperatures this week soar up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above seasonal averages. The National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles office has extended the advisory through 9:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, warning that the ongoing heat wave could pose serious risks, particularly to vulnerable populations.
Dangerous heat impacts major urban and recreational zones
The advisory affects numerous key areas, including:
Calabasas, Agoura Hills, the Eastern San Fernando Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Areas, and several major cities such as East Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills.
The heat index in these zones is expected to make outdoor activity hazardous, especially for people without access to air conditioning, children, the elderly, and those working or exercising outdoors. The NWS strongly urges the public to stay out of direct sunlight, remain hydrated, and avoid leaving people or pets in vehicles, even for short periods.
Temperatures peak midweek, relief by Sunday
Meteorologist Mike Wofford of the NWS Los Angeles office noted that this heat event, while not the most extreme in recent memory, is significant due to its timing early in the season. Although not expected to reach the lower 100s °F (37–39 °C) like the heat wave a few weeks ago, some regions are still facing highs around 95 °F (35 °C) or more.
According to Wofford, “We are still 15 to 20 degrees above normal, which is pretty significant.” He also emphasized that a couple of early-season heat waves do not necessarily predict a hotter-than-average summer.
The heat is expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures dropping closer to seasonal norms by Sunday and Monday.
High risk of heat-related illness for sensitive groups
The NWS Los Angeles bulletin emphasized that there is a “high risk for heat illness” for sensitive populations, including:
The very young, the elderly, those without air conditioning, and people engaged in outdoor activities.
While this current advisory is classified as lower-end, officials are keeping a close watch as the season progresses, especially given the early onset of extreme conditions.
Texas also under heat stress
Meanwhile, Texas continues to struggle with record-breaking temperatures, with the Austin region recently experiencing heat hotter than Death Valley, traditionally considered the hottest location on Earth. This has prompted similar extreme heat warnings and raised nationwide concerns about climate variability heading into Memorial Day Weekend.
