L.A. County heat alerts declared; cooling centers to open
Dozens of cooling centers are opening across Los Angeles County as a potentially record-setting heat wave settles over Southern California.
Public health officials directed residents to a list with more than 60 libraries and community centers in L.A. County where people can find relief from the stifling heat
With temperatures forecast to hit 100 degrees in downtown L.A. and up to 106 in areas like Woodland Hills when the heat wave peaks on Sunday, authorities are warning people to avoid strenuous activities in the middle of the day and to take precautions before it’s too late.
“When temperatures are high, even a few hours of exertion may cause severe dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke,” said Jeffery Gunzenhauser, interim health officer for the county, said in a statement.
Others who are “frail” or have chronic health conditions may develop serious health problems leading to death if they are exposed to high temperatures over several days, he added.
L.A. County has declared a heat alert for the Los Angeles Basin and the valleys of East San Gabriel, San Fernando and Santa Clarita.
Even at the beaches, temperatures are expected to be in the mid-80s over the weekend, forecasters said.
“Rest before you’re tired, eat before you’re hungry, drink before you’re thirsty,” said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey. “People overestimate their abilities and underestimate the danger of the heat.”
While the worst has yet to hit Southern California, hot weather has already been setting records farther north.
Airports in Madera, Merced and Hanford all set heat records Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures at each airport hit 100 degrees or higher, breaking records set in the last decade.
For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna.
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