Heat Wave Expected to Scorch Area, Increase Fire Threat

Warm and dry conditions are expected to return this week with a moderate Santa Ana wind event forecast for Monday and Tuesday which will lead to “abnormally high” temperatures and very low humidity, creating near critical fire weather conditions, according to Angeles National Forest officials.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will soar starting Monday and top the 100-degree mark on Tuesday and Wednesday, then remain high until next Sunday, when temps are expected to drop to 90.

The Robinson Park Recreation Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., will serve as cooling center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Oct. 1.

According to Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian, COVID-19 protocols and restrictions will be in place. Residents are advised to bring snacks and face masks, neither of which can be shared with others.

The heatwave is expected to be less intense than the last one, which brought record-breaking high temperatures to Los Angeles County over Labor Day weekend.

Officials warn fire danger will heighten due to the increased temperatures.
“Extreme” fire behavior is a major concern, along with large smoke plumes from any new or existing wildfires, forecasters said.

The winds could also be a concern for firefighters battling the Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest. Containment of the fire, which has scorched more than 114,000 acres, rose to 63 percent Saturday.

The massive blaze, which started Sept. 6, has threatened homes in the Antelope Valley and destroyed at least 52 structures.

Here’s a look at the week’s forecasts:

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 95. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 69. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southwest in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 68.

Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 68.

Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 63.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 95.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 91.