SoCal heat advisory as Santa Ana winds raise heat and fire risk

Southern California officials issued heat advisories and warned of gusty Santa Ana winds as a strong warming trend is set to arrive Tuesday and peak Wednesday, raising risks of heat-related illness and elevated fire danger across much of the region. The National Weather Service said the heat advisory runs from 10 a.m. Tuesday through 7 p.m. Wednesday for parts of Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Orange County, the Inland Empire and several inland valleys and foothills.

Forecasters said temperatures are expected to be 10 to 15 degrees above normal, with many inland areas reaching the low to mid 90s. Temperatures of 92 to 96 degrees are possible in valley locations including parts of the Inland Empire and San Diego valleys, while coastal and urban areas such as downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena and portions of Ventura County are forecast to reach the low 90s. Wednesday is likely to be the hottest day and a few record highs cannot be ruled out.

An offshore flow and a brief building of high pressure to the northeast will usher in Santa Ana conditions beginning Monday night into Tuesday, meteorologists said. Gusty offshore winds are expected to be strongest Tuesday, with mountain and...