Overview
- The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for much of Southern California through Thursday, covering large parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
- Temperatures peaked on Wednesday with triple-digit highs inland and overnight lows only falling into the 70s in some areas, leaving little nighttime relief.
- Dew points are forecast in the 70s across much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, a level of moisture that experts say greatly increases heat stress and the ‘real feel’ of temperatures.
- Officials trace the unusual humidity to the remnants of Hurricane Marie plus record-warm coastal ocean waters and a strong upper-level ridge that has raised temperatures.
- Public-health agencies advise limiting afternoon outdoor activity, seeking air conditioning, checking on vulnerable people, and using quick cooling tactics as scattered showers and thunderstorms persist before expected cooling.