Local school districts announce schedule changes amid record temps in Southern California
Southern California saw record-high temperatures Sunday for the third day in a row.
The National Weather Service reports downtown Los Angeles saw a high of 104 degrees on Sunday, breaking its old record of 103 in 1984.
Also recorded on Sunday:
106 degrees in Long Beach, breaking its previous record of 105 in 1984
111 degrees in Woodland Hills, tying its old record in 1979
98 degrees at UCLA, tying its old record in 1984
Long Beach and Woodland Hills also broke previous heat records on Saturday and Camarillo.
Southern California sees record high temps, excessive heat warnings
NWS warned residents and visitors in Los Angeles County that Sunday could see dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 110 degrees, and possibly up to 114 degrees for the western San Fernando Valley and the Santa Clarita Valley.
Officials also noted the following extreme temperatures:
Orange County: 90 to 106 degrees expected
Santa Ana mountains: 90 to 104 degrees expected
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys/The Inland Empire: 102 to 110 degrees expected
The temperatures overnight are forecasted in the 70s, leading to little recovery from the heat, according to the NWS.
Multiple districts have issued minimum school days for Monday, which is expected to be the last day of the current excessive heat warning.
Torrance Unified School District announced the following in an Instagram post on Sunday afternoon:
“Torrance Unified School District has issued a minimum school day for Monday, September 9, in response to the excessive heat advisory. Like other local Districts in our area, many of our classrooms do not have air conditioning units, so this decision prioritizes the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. Texts and emails have gone out to families with detailed information for each school. Thank you for your prompt attention and flexibility.”
Sunday evening, Los Angeles Unified School District Region North announced its minimum day in a Twitter/X post:
“An update from @laschools Region North on heatwave and minimum day schedules at Noble Elementary School, Woodlake Elementary School and Canoga Park High School.”
With these hot conditions, officials say there is a high risk for dangerous heat illness, especially for children, the elderly, those without air conditioning, and those who are active outdoors.
Health and Safety Tips
To minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses, officials recommend these precautions:
Stay cool: Spend time in air-conditioned buildings, avoid direct sunlight, and limit outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Residents without air conditioning should seek refuge in public cooling centers.
Stay hydrated: Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to hydrate. Avoid beverages with high sugar, caffeine, or alcohol content, as they can contribute to dehydration.
Look out for others: Check on neighbors, friends, and family members, particularly those who are elderly or young or have pre-existing health conditions. Ensure pets have plenty of water and shade, and never leave them or children in parked cars.
For non-emergency information, residents can call 311, and in the event of a suspected heat stroke, they are urged to call 911 immediately. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and, in severe cases, confusion or unconsciousness.
Cooling Centers
As temperatures rise, L.A. officials have urged residents to plan and prepare to avoid heat exhaustion. Cooling centers have been established throughout the region to provide relief for those without air conditioning.
The city has opened the following cooling centers which will now be extended through Monday, Sept. 9:
Fred Roberts Recreation Center, 4700 Honduras St., Los Angeles, CA 90011
Mid Valley Senior Center, 8801 Kester Ave., Panorama City, CA 91402
Sunland Senior Center, 8640 Fenwick St., Sunland, CA 91040
Jim Gilliam Recreation Center, 4000 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90008
Lincoln Heights Senior Center, 2323 Workman St., Los Angeles, CA 90031
Lafayette Recreation Center, 625 S. Lafayette Park Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90057
Residents can find the nearest cooling center by calling 311, checking the Cool Spots LA app, or visiting the city’s emergency management website.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
