Coastal and inland Orange County remain under an extreme heat warning through Thursday at 8 p.m. as a prolonged October heat wave continues across the Southland. Temperatures are forecast to be 15 to 27 degrees above normal for this time of year, with unusually high overnight lows making conditions particularly challenging.
Several daily temperature records were broken in nearby cities on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Anaheim reached 105 degrees, surpassing its 2014 record of 103 degrees. Santa Ana recorded 107 degrees, breaking its 2014 record of 102 degrees. Record high overnight lows were also noted, with Anaheim experiencing a low of 76 degrees, breaking the 2018 record of 69 degrees. Santa Ana's low of 72 degrees broke its 2018 record of 68 degrees, and Newport Beach registered a low of 70 degrees, exceeding its 1997 record of 69 degrees. Further records were also set on Friday in downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach Airport, Anaheim, and Santa Ana.
The hot, dry conditions have led the weather service to warn of an elevated wildfire danger throughout much of the week.
With electrical demand expected to soar as residents increase their use of air conditioning, power providers are urging customers to conserve energy wherever possible to help avoid outages. The California Independent System Operator (Cal-ISO), which manages the state’s power grid, issued a “Restricted Maintenance Operations” notice for Monday and Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. This notice urges suppliers to avoid actions that might “jeopardize generator and/or transmission availability.” Cal-ISO stated it is “not forecasting any supply shortfalls at this time,” but is preparing consumers in the event that a Flex Alert becomes necessary. A Flex Alert is a voluntary call for conservation by residents, issued when Cal-ISO believes power demand may exceed supply. If conditions worsen, additional emergency alerts could be issued, potentially leading to rolling blackouts in critical power-shortage situations.
To help conserve energy, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power suggests residents take steps such as setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher to manage energy use during the hottest parts of the day. They also recommend avoiding the use of major appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners, and refraining from using stoves or ovens which can increase indoor heat. Closing curtains and blinds to reduce sunlight in the home, turning off lights and other electrical equipment when not in use, and unplugging items like cell phone chargers and microwave ovens are additional tips.
To mitigate heat-related risks, county officials advise residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours when possible, and utilize air-conditioned spaces or cooling centers if their homes cannot be kept cool. Residents without access to air conditioning can find cooling centers, splash pads, and community pools by calling 211.
Public safety officials reminded the public never to leave children or pets inside unattended vehicles for any time at all, as temperatures inside a vehicle can become deadly within minutes.
Adding to the regional concerns, dangerous rip currents and breaking waves are anticipated at area beaches from Tuesday afternoon through Friday evening. The National Weather Service issued a beach hazards statement due to elevated surf of 3 to 6 feet and abnormally high morning and evening tides.
Some relief from the heat is expected by Thursday, with significant cooling anticipated by next weekend. Forecasters predict cooler temperatures daily beginning Friday, with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms due to moisture from distant Hurricane Rachel.
