Dangerous Heat Wave Continues Friday, Another Flex Alert Called

An odd combination of hot weather mixed with a moisture-filled morning repeats today in Pasadena, with a 20% chance of very light rain predicted before noon on a day expected to top out at 93. The baking heat has prompted another Flex Alert for 6 to 9 p.m. Friday.

The California Independent System Operator called on residents for a second day to voluntarily reduce their power use to ease strain on the system and prevent possible power outages. Residents were urged to avoid using major appliances during the alert, turn off unnecessary lights and set thermostats at 78 degrees or higher.

A spokesperson for Pasadena Water and Power said that “as it stands, PWP has sufficient power resources (through procurement and generation that can be produced at our city-owned Glenarm Power Plant) to meet our City’s energy needs during these sustained heat days,” but urged residents to reduce power use from high-energy devices (EV chargers, dishwasher, washing machines, etc.) during the Flex Alert.

The National Weather Service today will be hot and sunny will light wind gusts.

“High pressure aloft will continue to dominate the weather pattern across southwest California through Saturday,” according to the National Weather Service. “Hot conditions will continue during this time across interior areas. A cooling trend is expected over the weekend and into early next week with more extensive night through morning low clouds and fog.”

Forecasters said there will also be a “small chance” of isolated thunderstorms in Los Angeles County on Friday, an occurrence that would raise concerns about fire-sparking lightning strikes.

Southwest winds are also expected to increase through Sunday, combining with the heat and low humidity to create “elevated to brief critical fire weather conditions, most prevalent over the weekend.”

Forecasters urged residents to take precautions to avoid being overcome by the heat, particularly in areas under excessive heat warnings.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the NWS advised. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.”

Also due to the heat wave, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an ozone advisory through Saturday, predicting increased likelihood of poor air quality in many areas. Levels of ground-level ozone — the predominant summertime pollutant — are likely to reach unhealthy or higher air quality index levels throughout most of the Southland.

The alert reminds everyone in the affected regions to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness, especially older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and people with chronic medical conditions.

Public health officials issued the following recommendations to stay safe during high temperature days:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day;

• Plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear sunscreen;

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes, and wear a hat or use an umbrella;

• Never leave children or pets in cars and call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone;

• Beware of heat-related illness, like heat stroke and call 911 if you or someone you know is experiencing high body temperature, vomiting, and pale and clammy skin;

• Check on those at risk, such as those who are sick, older adults, pregnant women, and children, and those who live alone; and

• If you are wearing a mask, avoid strenuous workouts wearing face coverings or masks not intended for athletic purposes.

“While it is very important that everyone take special care of themselves, it is equally important that we reach out and check on others, in particular those who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of high temperatures, including children, the elderly, and their pets,” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis.

“High temperatures are not just an inconvenience, they can be dangerous and even deadly.”

Here is the forecast from the National Weather Service:

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Light west southwest wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Monday Night: Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Tuesday: Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Tuesday Night: Patchy fog. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Wednesday: Patchy fog. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Wednesday Night: Patchy fog. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Thursday: Patchy fog. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 84.