California weather: Locals to 'bake' as heat warning issued for residents

A heat advisory has been issued for parts of California as the state is set to bake with temperatures reaching in to the low 100s in some areas.

Although the high temperatures will start being evident today, the real peaks are coming in the days ahead.

The scorching temperatures will bring other problems, such as a heightened risk of wildfires breaking out as the parched undergrowth proves the perfect kindling for flames. 

Heat advisory brings temperatures over 100

The clear skies and beating sun could drive temperatures well past 90 degrees in much of Southern California.

This has lead to the National Weather Service (NWS) issue a Heat Advisory for parts of the state including Los Angeles.

Temperatures up to 100 are expected with some inland neighborhoods reaching into the low 100s.

Swathes of Los Angeles under the advisory 

The NWS have released the list of areas affected.

These are Santa Clarita Valley; Southern Salinas Valley; Santa Ynez Valley; Santa Ynez Mountains Western Range; Santa Ynez Mountains Eastern Range; Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains; Lake Casitas; Ojai Valley; Central Ventura County Valleys; Los Angeles County Inland Coast including Downtown Los Angeles; Southeastern Ventura County Valleys; Santa Susana Mountains; Los Angeles County San Gabriel Valley.

When the scorching weather arrives 

The Heat Advisory runs from 11am Wednesday to 9pm local time Thursday.

The forecasters are expecting the hot weather to peak on Wednesday afternoon.

Residents in the inland desert areas and valleys could expect a two day burst of heat.

How long it lasts

Thankfully, the sun baked Californians will get some relief towards the end of the week when the temperatures will start to drop.

The signs of heat exhaustion include: tiredness, dizziness, headache, feeling sick or being sick, excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy or getting a heat rash, but a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skin.

Also look out for cramps in the arms, legs and stomach, fast breathing or heartbeat, a high temperature, being very thirsty and weakness.

Residents warned of heat stroke and wildfires 

The National Weather Service warns: "There is a high risk for heat illness for sensitive populations, including the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors. Do not leave people or pets in closed vehicles."

Further advice reads: "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors."

According to analysis from climate research group, Climate Central, the number of "fire weather" days rose by 37 in the Southwest between 1973 and 2024.

Some areas of California, including the southeastern desert zones are seeing as much as two months a year more of fire weather.

Wildfires have also been growing worse with each passing year, according to a separate UC Irvine study.

A Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning is issued when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions support extreme fire danger. They help land and fire managers highlight the increased fire danger.