Intense heat wave strikes Southern California, prompting health warnings
Southern California is experiencing an intense heat wave this week, with certain regions recording unprecedented temperatures on Friday. This extreme weather has prompted excessive heat warnings and health alerts.
TroibNews 
Southern California has been sweltering under a relentless heat wave, with temperatures soaring to record-breaking highs on Friday. This has prompted the issuing of excessive heat warnings and health advisories.
The excessive heat warning now remains in effect across a vast area of southwest California through Monday evening. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles stated, "another very hot day" was expected on Friday in parts of the region.
"A long duration heat wave will peak today, with only minor and slow improvement after through Monday," the service announced, emphasizing that temperatures would reach near-record levels on Friday, ranging from 108 degrees Fahrenheit to 118 degrees Fahrenheit across valleys, lower mountains, and deserts.
"A very hot air mass will remain over the region into the weekend as strong high pressure aloft over the Western United States will limit onshore flow. Dangerously hot conditions are expected away from the coast, especially in the mountain and foothill locations where overnight low temperatures will cool little from daytime highs," the agency further elaborated.
On Friday, Burbank recorded a temperature of 115 degrees Fahrenheit, setting a new all-time high for the Southern California city.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has indicated that the current conditions constitute "critical fire weather due to hot, dry daytime conditions and poor humidity overnight." Consequently, a red flag warning has been issued for some areas of Southern California through Saturday.
A wildfire in San Bernardino County has rapidly expanded to 1,180 acres within 24 hours, fueled by the high temperatures, and is currently being tackled by hundreds of firefighters.
Health officials in the region are urging precautions against heat-related illnesses, particularly for those at higher risk such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, athletes, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
"Protect yourself and others during excessive heat," the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advised on social media platform X, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and recognizing symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
"Heat can be deadly and it often catches people by surprise," Christina Curry, chief deputy director of the California governor's office of emergency services, stated in a news release. She stressed the critical need for Californians to take proactive steps to remain safe in the extreme conditions.
The agency has confirmed that it is collaborating with local governments and emergency managers to address regional needs effectively.
Recent findings by the California insurance department reported by KTLA indicate that seven severe heat events from 2013 to 2022 have led to approximately 460 deaths, 5,000 hospitalizations, and 344 adverse birth outcomes throughout California.
The report also outlines that these heat incidences have had a substantial economic impact on the state, totaling around $7.7 billion. This includes significant losses in labor productivity, with costs per event ranging from $7.7 million to $210 million, predominantly from uninsured wage losses.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
The excessive heat warning now remains in effect across a vast area of southwest California through Monday evening. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles stated, "another very hot day" was expected on Friday in parts of the region.
"A long duration heat wave will peak today, with only minor and slow improvement after through Monday," the service announced, emphasizing that temperatures would reach near-record levels on Friday, ranging from 108 degrees Fahrenheit to 118 degrees Fahrenheit across valleys, lower mountains, and deserts.
"A very hot air mass will remain over the region into the weekend as strong high pressure aloft over the Western United States will limit onshore flow. Dangerously hot conditions are expected away from the coast, especially in the mountain and foothill locations where overnight low temperatures will cool little from daytime highs," the agency further elaborated.
On Friday, Burbank recorded a temperature of 115 degrees Fahrenheit, setting a new all-time high for the Southern California city.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has indicated that the current conditions constitute "critical fire weather due to hot, dry daytime conditions and poor humidity overnight." Consequently, a red flag warning has been issued for some areas of Southern California through Saturday.
A wildfire in San Bernardino County has rapidly expanded to 1,180 acres within 24 hours, fueled by the high temperatures, and is currently being tackled by hundreds of firefighters.
Health officials in the region are urging precautions against heat-related illnesses, particularly for those at higher risk such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, athletes, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
"Protect yourself and others during excessive heat," the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advised on social media platform X, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and recognizing symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
"Heat can be deadly and it often catches people by surprise," Christina Curry, chief deputy director of the California governor's office of emergency services, stated in a news release. She stressed the critical need for Californians to take proactive steps to remain safe in the extreme conditions.
The agency has confirmed that it is collaborating with local governments and emergency managers to address regional needs effectively.
Recent findings by the California insurance department reported by KTLA indicate that seven severe heat events from 2013 to 2022 have led to approximately 460 deaths, 5,000 hospitalizations, and 344 adverse birth outcomes throughout California.
The report also outlines that these heat incidences have had a substantial economic impact on the state, totaling around $7.7 billion. This includes significant losses in labor productivity, with costs per event ranging from $7.7 million to $210 million, predominantly from uninsured wage losses.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
