Southern California hit by heat wave

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The National Weather Service has issued a heat wave warning for Southern California and starting Monday all of Southern California will be under a Flex Alert from 10 .m. to 9 p.m.

heat wave tipsTemperatures have soared over 100°f from the border north through Los Angeles County. West Covina and Burbank have a high temp of 106°f. Pasadena is at 103°f. Anaheim is showing a temperature of 101°f and Irvine is at 92°f. Poway in San Diego County is at 100°f, El Cajon 102°f. Both are indicative of inland  temperatures all through San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

This heat wave is expected to continue for several days at least. It is cooler in all coastal areas, so this might be a good time to be at the beach. But, wear sunscreen because a bad sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.

The NWS suggests you put off any strenuous outdoor activity until the coolest part of the day, drink plenty of fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol; dress in loose-fitting, light-weight, light-colored clothing and wear sunscreen.

DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN CARS.

Relax in a shady spot or in an air conditioned building. Seniors, children and anyone with health issues ought to stay indoors, preferably in air conditioning. Know the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion. It could save a life.

Heat exhaustion symptoms:
faint or dizzy
excessive sweating
cool, pale clammy skin
nausea or vomiting
rapid, weak pulse
muscle cramps

In case of heat exhaustion get to a cool, air-conditioned location, drink water of conscious and take a shower or apply cold compresses.

Heat stroke symptoms:
Throbbing headache
no sweating
body temperature above 103°f
red, hot, dry skin
nausea or vomiting
May lose consciousness.

heat wave tipsIn case of heat stroke call 9-1-1 and take immediate action to cool the person down.

In Santa Barbara County temperatures on in the 70s, but the humidity is 59 percent on Goleta, 47 percent in Santa Barbara, 30 percent in Solvang and 26 percent in Santa Ynez.

The Sherpa Fire continues to burn. Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s and a Red Flag Warming is in effect until 10 a.m. Tuesday morning. Highway 101 remains open, but it is subject to being closed if the CHP and fire managers.

According to the joint media center, “Winds will begin from the north-northeast and shift to the northwest, with wind speeds around 25-30 miles per hour and gusts up to 55 miles per hour.” They expect the humidity to drop between 15-20 percent today and tonight.

If you have concerns about the air quality in your area — Los Angeles and Orange Counties have been affected — click here for more information. For information on the fire you can call 211 or 1-800-400-1572, or click here.

You can find more tips on getting through this heat wave Here, Here, Here and  Here.

Top photo by Tim Forkes, from La Jolla Shores