Southern California braces for multi-day heat wave, high fire risk

A severe heat wave is forecast to grip Southern California this week, bringing triple‑digit temperatures, elevated fire danger and widespread health risks. Officials warn that conditions will intensify from midweek through the weekend, with temperatures in many inland valleys and desert areas well above normal, coupled with very low humidity and gusty winds that could fuel fast‑moving brush fires. In response, cities are expanding cooling centers and states have prepositioned firefighting resources as the region prepares for several days of extreme heat.

Across the greater Los Angeles area, forecasts show downtown Los Angeles reaching the upper 90s to around 100 degrees, while interior valleys and foothill communities could see temperatures between the mid‑90s and the low 110s. Some locations in the inland counties are expected to approach or exceed 110 degrees, and Death Valley could top 120 degrees. Officials emphasize that humidity will remain low, in the teens or lower, with gusty winds raising fire risk. A broad heat‑watch and multiple heat warnings are in effect, with the most intense conditions anticipated Thursday through Saturday. Authorities have warned that...