Extreme heat on the way to Southern California

LOS ANGELES — High surf pounded the Southland’s coast today as the region headed for a heat wave characterized by “extreme heat and very dry conditions” and expected to create an “elevated fire danger,” forecasters said.

Record-breaking triple-digit temperatures are likely Sunday through Tuesday, according to a National Weather Service statement, which attributed the approaching heat wave to “a strong upper-level high-pressure system.”

Temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s by Saturday, followed by “widespread triple-digit heat” Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, the statement said, waing of”dangerous heat impacts” away from the coast, especially Monday, when new high-heat records may be set.

“From Sunday through Tuesday, high temperatures are expected to soar to between 100 and 112 degrees across the valleys, lower mountain elevations, and the Antelope Valley, with the warmest valley locations possibly reaching 115 degrees on Monday,” it said.

“The projected high temperature for downtown Los Angeles is 100 degrees for Monday. This kind of heat is unusual for coastal communities in June...”

The statement waed that the approaching conditions could have a major impact.

“”The widespread triple-digit heat combined with low humidity will likely bring an extended period of elevated fire danger across much of southwest Califoia Sunday through Tuesday,” it said.

The weather service urged area residents to plan how they will cope with the heat. It recommended several self-protective measures:

“Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid being outside during the warmest part of the day. If working outside, work with a buddy and take frequent breaks. Provide water and shelter for animals. Check on family, friends, neighbors and animals. Also remember to never ever leave children, pets, and the elderly unattended in vehicles, even with windows down.”

Along the coast, a high surf advisory will be in force from 6 this moing until 10 p.m. Thursday in both L.A and Orange counties as a result of a southerly swell generating strong rip currents that could persist through Friday. Also expected are waves of between 4 and 7 feet with some 8-foot sets today and Thursday.

“There is an increased risk of ocean drowning,” waed an NWS statement. “Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Sneaker waves can suddenly wash people off of beaches and rock jetties. The combination of surf and high tides could generate minor beach erosion and minor flooding of coastal walkways.”

The statement reminded people caught in a rip current to swim parallel to shore until able to break free.

The NWS forecast partly cloudy skies in Los Angeles and San Beardino counties today -- except in the Antelope Valley, which is expected to be suy -- and highs of 65 in Avalon and San Pedro; 67 at LAX, in Torrance and Big Bear; 68 on Mount Wilson; 71 in Long Beach; 72 in downtown L.A. and Whittier; 73 in Burbank; 74 in San Gabriel; 75 in Rancho Cucamonga; 76 in Northridge, West Covina, Pasadena and Ontario; 77 in Van Nuys, Woodland Hills and Santa Clarita; 79 in San Beardino; and 80 in Palmdale, Lancaster and Redlands.

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Temperatures will rise Thursday and again Friday as they near the dangerous levels forecast by the NWS.