Orange County residents are continuing to experience a prolonged October heat wave, with dangerous temperatures forecast to persist through at least Thursday. The heat wave also affects Los Angeles County, where downtown Los Angeles reached 102 degrees on Monday, marking its fourth consecutive day of triple-digit heat.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), this four-day streak of 100-degree temperatures in downtown Los Angeles is the longest recorded for October and ties the record for the longest such stretch at any time of year. Separately, the NWS reported a new record high of 101 degrees set on Sunday at Hollywood Burbank Airport, surpassing the previous record of 100 degrees established in 1964.
Extreme heat warnings remain in effect through 8 p.m. Thursday for coastal and valley areas of Los Angeles County, as well as for coastal and inland Orange County. High temperatures are anticipated to stay widespread in the 90s to around 105 degrees through Thursday in Los Angeles County valleys and many coastal areas. These temperatures are estimated to be approximately 15 to 27 degrees above normal for this period of the year.
The NWS indicated that while heat is expected to continue through the week, some immediate coastal areas might experience 1-5 degrees of cooling due to sea breezes. Overnight temperatures are not predicted to offer substantial relief, with lows generally in the upper 60s and 70s through Tuesday night, and locally reaching the 80s in some mountain and foothill areas, the NWS said.
Looking ahead, high pressure is projected to begin weakening on Friday, though valley highs could still approach 100 degrees, and downtown Los Angeles is forecast to remain in the low to mid-90s. More significant cooling is expected by Saturday. Forecasters noted a chance of showers on Sunday, primarily in Los Angeles County, as moisture associated with Hurricane Rachel moves into the region.
The weather service also issued a beach hazards statement for the Los Angeles County coast, including Catalina Island, from Tuesday afternoon through late Tuesday night. Additionally, a coastal flood advisory will be active from 6 a.m. Wednesday until 11 p.m. Friday.
An initial southeast swell is expected to impact Long Beach and Catalina Island on Tuesday and Wednesday, before shifting to a more southerly direction that could affect beaches including Zuma later from Wednesday through Friday. Furthermore, a distinct long-period west swell originating from Super Typhoon Choi-Wan is anticipated to arrive Saturday night and build on Sunday, potentially leading to high surf and coastal flooding, particularly along the Palos Verdes Peninsula during morning high tides.
