Southern California residents are bracing for what forecasters say will be the hottest day of the week on Friday.
“We’re looking at a heat advisory that’s now in effect, and if you’re traveling through the Barstow area, an excessive heat warning is also in effect,” KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins said.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the heat advisory, which will remain in place from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. Friday, for parts of the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Central Ventura County Valleys, Cuyama Valley, San Luis Obispo County Interior
Valleys and Mountains, and the Southern Salinas Valley.
Forecasters are calling for temperatures between 92 and 102 degrees in those areas.
The extreme heat warning includes Barstow, Fort Irwin and Death Valley National Park and will remain in place through Saturday evening for temperatures up to 105 degrees, according to the NWS.
Friday’s warmer weather also brings an increased risk of grass fires and an elevated risk for heat-related illnesses, especially for sensitive individuals such as the very old, very young, those without air conditioning and people participating in outdoor activities.
A chance of rain and thunderstorms will arrive over some of our mountain, desert and foothill areas on Saturday.
“Increasing cloud cover as a result of some tropical moisture for your Saturday evening forecast. It will start to feel a little bit humid as well. And then Sunday, we will also see a continuation of that chance of showers and maybe even thunderstorms,” Kirk said.
Closer to average temperatures are expected to return along with sunny skies for early next week.