LB High of 87 Expected as Heat Wave Endures

The most notable ‘heat wave’ of the summer will bring temperatures into the high 80s in Long Beach and 90s elsewhere, and as high as 118 degrees in the desert areas toda, warned National Weather Service officials.

In a summer that has seen below average temperatures locally, highs of 89 or 90 degrees in Long Beach this week are expected to bring some of the warmest weather of the summer. Of course, Belmont Shore is usually cooler than the rest of Long Beach.

The NWS reported a high of 87 thus far in Long Beach; 73 in Avalon and Newport Beach; 74 at LAX;  89 in downtown L.A.; 92 in Anaheim; 103 in Woodland Hills; 105 in Newhall; and 106 in both Palmdale and Lancaster. Friday's highs will be similar and then a cooling trend will begin Saturday.

A "strong ridge of high pressure" over the country's southwest is causing the local rise in temperatures, National Weather Service meteorologists report.

Until the warming trend begins to reverse itself this weekend, "temperatures will be way above average except at the coast," the weather service predicts.

If you're headed out of town for a weekend getaway, keep in mind that the monsoon moisture expected to spread across the region could bring a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms over area mountains Friday and Saturday.

That same moisture will also keep nighttime temperatures "way above" average in lower deserts, where temperatures aren't expected to dip below 90 degrees.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration cautions residents to take the proper measures to prevent falling victim to heat-related illnesses and disorders. 

According to the NOAA, more people suffer from heat-related deaths than any other weather-related fatalities, a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department states.

“On average, more than 1,500 people in the country die each year from excessive heat. This number is greater than the 30-year mean annual number of deaths due to tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and lightning combined,” NOAA officials state in a recently issued news release.

“In the 40-year period from 1936 through 1975, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United States by the effects of heat and solar radiation,” NOAA states.

Tips to Prevent Overheating

The agency provided some tips to prevent overheating in excessively warm weather, including slowing down, reducing strenuous activities and remaining in the coolest available place.

Residents should also:

-- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing in order to keep body temperatures cooler.

-- Eat foods that do not increase metabolic heat production, such as salads, fruits and vegetables. Protein (meats) increase metabolic heat production and also increase water loss. 

-- Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. 

-- Do not drink alcoholic beverages. 

-- Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician. 

-- Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air-conditioned environment affords some protection.

Many cities have cool zones, which include libraries, city halls, senior centers and recreation centers.

-- Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult .

-- Never leave people -- especially children and the disabled – or pets in a closed, parked vehicle.

Symptoms of Heat Disorders

The NOAA also encourages residents to learn how to spot symptoms of various heat disorders: 

1. SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases causes swelling of skin, blisters, fever and headaches. First Aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. A doctor should be seen for serious cases.
2. HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms, usually in muscles of legs and abdomen; Heavy sweating.First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.
3. HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale or clammy skin. Pulse thready though it is possible to maintain a normal body temperature; Fainting and vomiting. First Aid: Get victims out of the sun. Lie  them down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victims to air-conditioned rooms. Give small sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
4. HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106° F or higher); Hot dry skin; Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness.  First Aid: HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim to a cooler environment Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging but use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intakes.