Fire Weather Continues to Threaten Southland

The Southland entered a continued heat wave today and will maintain an elevated danger of wildfire through Wednesday amid high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds, according to the National Weather Service.

Highs on Monday will reach 90 in Pasadena before cooling to 78 on Thursday, with lows expected to be in the 80s this weekend, according to the NWS.

The danger of fire will prevail in all interior valleys, the mountains and desert areas, the weather agency warned.

Additionally, gusty winds will buffet the mountains and the Antelope Valley, NWS said.

The weather service urged residents to not burn trash or brush

outdoors. The agency also warns people to not drive vehicles on dry grass, and to never leave a hot grill unattended.

“A hot and dry air mass in place will combine with breezy to locally windy conditions at times to bring elevated to brief critical fire weather conditions to interior areas. Local gusty winds are expected during the afternoon and evening hours each day, with humidities falling to between 5 and 15 percent,” the weather service stated.

“Elevated fire conditions will persist through Wednesday in areas that experience Sundowner winds. These conditions mean fires can become ignited easily and can spread quickly. Be careful with ignition sources. Do your part to prevent wildfires by teaching kids about the dangers of playing with fire,” NWS warned.

The weather service also emphasized the need for residents to protect themselves from the heat.

“Dangerously hot conditions are expected, especially away from the coast through Monday as strong high pressure remains over the region,” stated the NWS advisory. “Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. Any strenuous work or exercise should be done in the early morning hours, or evening hours. Dress in loose fitting, light colored, and lightweight clothing. Also, never, ever, leave children, the elderly and pets in an enclosed car, even with the windows down during this heat.”

Here’s the forecast:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 92. Light west southwest wind becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light west southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind, becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night: Patchy fog after 11 p.m. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 60. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light south southeast in the evening.

Wednesday: Patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny with a high near 83. Light south southeast wind becoming south at 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Patchy fog after 11 p.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Thursday: Patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Thursday Night: Patchy fog after 11 p.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Friday: Patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Friday Night: Patchy fog after 11 p.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.

Saturday: Patchy fog. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Saturday Night: Patchy fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Sunday: Patchy fog. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 87.