Southern California braces for for scorching heat wave this week

Southern California is set for unseasonably hot weather, with summer-like temperatures predicted despite it technically still being winter. Downtown Los Angeles could reach 93 degrees Fahrenheit (33.8 Celsius).

The National Weather Service (NWS) expects temperatures to be about 20 degrees warmer than normal for mid-March. This raises the risk of heat illness, with forecasters urging people to avoid outdoor activities during the daytime.

“If you must be outdoors, drink a lot of water,” said Richard Thompson, a meteorologist with the NWS Los Angeles office. “There’s definitely the potential for records being set.”

Thursday is anticipated as the hottest day, with the San Fernando Valley possibly hitting 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 Celsius). Typical mid-March temperatures are usually around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Celsius).

Workers at outdoor construction sites will have plenty of drinking water and electrolyte packets available to stay hydrated. They’re instructed to take frequent breaks, said Junior Pineda, a representative with a local unit of the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers.

“And there’s always shade structures, if guys start feeling a little light-headed and need to take a few minutes,” he said.

Los Angeles city and county officials planned to open cooling centers for residents without air conditioning.

Zack Marquez, who uses a wheelchair, was taking care of errands Wednesday before it got too hot in LA’s Koreatown neighborhood.

“Gotta stay hydrated and stay in the shade,” he said.

A sea breeze on Friday should cool down the coast somewhat, but inland areas will still swelter, forecasters said.

Celebrities are streaming into Los Angeles ahead of Sunday’s Oscars, with a bevy of events this week taking advantage of the concentration of stars. But the worst of the weather should be over in time for the ceremony.

The rest of the state will also see hotter-than-normal weather starting next week. Temperatures could top 90 (32 Celsius) on Monday around San Francisco and in the Sacramento area.