Temps Soar in Cerritos-Artesia As Southland Bakes in Triple-Digit Heat Wave

As the week began with a scorching heat wave, the southland can expect to feel more summer heat, hitting a high of 96 degrees in Cerritos-Artesia on Thursday and Friday.

A strong high pressure over the southwestern part of the country, along with a weak onshore flow is driving up temperatures, according to an advisory from the National Weather Service.

Tuesday’s weather could hit a high of 93 degrees with an overnight low of 67 degrees. Temperatures will rise slightly each day, with a high of 96 degrees on both Thursday and Friday.

The coastal beach cities will offer some reprieve from the heat with temperatures in the 70s.

In the Angeles National Forest, rangers raised the fire danger level from high to very high Monday, because of the high temperatures and dried-out brush. Despite the "very high" fire danger designation, campfires are permitted in developed campgrounds, and camp stoves are allowed in the backcountry.

Thunderstorms, possible through Friday, also could trigger wildfires caused by lightning strikes.

NWS also warns the "excessive" and "hazardous" weather could be deadly for unprepared campers and hikers.

A heat watch is in effect for most of the Los Angeles area Wednesday through Friday, but the heat could linger through Saturday, according to the Weather Service. But beginning Wednesday, that air mass will be accompanied by monsoonal moisture, creating humidity levels that will make temperatures feel even warmer than what the thermometer says.

"Very little relief is expected this week," the Weather Service said in a special weather statement. "By later in the week, humidities will be increasing as moisture moves in from the Southeast."

The weather service offers the following safety tips during this summer heat wave:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity as much as possible.
• Keep hydrated with plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing,
• Shield yourself from the sun with a hat.
• Apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
• Take advantage of air conditioning and shade. 
• Never leave pets and children in enclosed vehicles, even briefly.

To help Cerritos and Artesia locals keep cool, the county offers designated cooling centers in the area. for a list of the facilities. 

- Compiled from City News Service reports.

How are you keeping cool during the summer heat wave? Tell us in the comments.