Southern California Braces for Record-Breaking March Heatwave

Southern California is preparing for an unusually intense heatwave next week, with temperatures potentially exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the San Fernando Valley. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch and a heat advisory, warning residents of dangerously hot conditions.

Heatwave Details

Typically, March temperatures in Southern California hover around the 70s. However, this upcoming heatwave is expected to bring temperatures 25 to 35 degrees above normal, resembling a summer heatwave. The extreme heat watch is in effect from March 16, 8:00 PM PDT until March 20, 8:00 PM PDT. A heat advisory is too in effect for Monday, March 16, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM PDT.

Forecasted Temperatures

• Downtown Los Angeles: Could reach 101°F on Tuesday.
• Glendale: May reach 104°F.
• Santa Monica: Could hit 91°F.
• San Fernando Valley: Expected to experience the highest temperatures from Tuesday to Friday.
• Mountains and Desert Areas: Will become warmest from Wednesday to Friday.

According to the National Weather Service, the valleys will experience the highest temperatures from Tuesday to Friday, while the mountains and desert areas will become warmest from Wednesday to Friday. Current forecasts indicate a high of 91°F in San Fernando on Sunday, rising to 94°F on Monday.

Health and Safety Concerns

The National Weather Service emphasizes that these “dangerously hot conditions” pose a particular risk to babies and young children, as well as elderly individuals. Residents are advised to take the following precautions:

• Stay out of the sun as much as possible.
• Remain in air-conditioned environments.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Schedule exercise and demanding activities for the early morning or evening.

Fire Risk

The hot, dry conditions also raise concerns about potential small grass fires. However, larger fuel sources remain relatively moist due to heavy winter rains, and light winds are predicted, which should limit the risk of fast-spreading wildfires. Despite this, officials warn that the lack of rain in the forecast could accelerate the drying of fuels, increasing fire risk in the long term. The Western San Fernando Valley is expected to see highs in the upper 80s to mid 90s today.

City Resources

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has urged residents to utilize city resources to stay cool, including Recreation and Parks facilities and local library branches. More information can be found at laparks.org/reccenter and lapl.org/branches.

Record Potential

The March temperature record in downtown Los Angeles, set in 1879 at 99°F, is potentially at risk. Meteorologist Bryan Lewis of the National Weather Service in Oxnard stated, “We’re looking at an almost 150-year-old record potentially being dethroned here.”