los angeles — It’s still technically winter, but it’s starting to look like summer in Southern California, with forecasters predicting unseasonably hot weather, including temperatures of around 93 degrees (33.8 C) in downtown Los Angeles.
The weather is expected to be about 20 degrees warmer than normal in mid-March, the National Weather Service said. This means people will be more susceptible to heat illness, and forecasters have urged people to avoid outdoor activities during the day.
“If you have to be outside, drink plenty of water,” said Richard Thompson, a meteorologist at the Weather Service’s Los Angeles office. “There is definitely record-breaking potential.”
The hottest day around Los Angeles will be Thursday, with temperatures likely to reach 95 degrees (35 degrees Celsius) in the San Fernando Valley. Temperatures are usually around 70 (21 degrees Celsius), Thompson said.
Workers on outdoor construction sites will have plenty of drinking water and electrolyte packs available to stay hydrated. They are told to take frequent breaks, said Junior Pineda, a representative of a local unit of the International Construction Workers’ Union & Allied craftsmen.
“There are always shade structures, if guys start feeling a little dizzy and need to hang out for a few minutes,” he said.
Los Angeles city and county officials plan to open cooling centers for residents who do not have air conditioning.
Zach Marquez, who uses a wheelchair, was tending to his duties Wednesday before it got too hot in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood.
“I have to stay hydrated and stay in the shade,” he said.
Meteorologists said Friday’s sea breeze would cool the coast somewhat, but inland areas would still be very hot.
Celebrities are flocking to Los Angeles ahead of the Oscars on Sunday, with a host of events this week benefiting from the concentration of stars. But the worst of the weather should be over in time for the party.
The rest of the state will also see hotter than normal weather starting next week. Temperatures could reach 90 (32 degrees Celsius) on Monday around San Francisco and in the Sacramento area.