If we were to pick the worst weather month in Los Angeles, it would have to be September, which doubles down on summer heat while winding down summer fun. Sure enough, the forecast for this Labor Day weekend is about to help the month live up to that dubious reputation.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for much of Southern California from Wednesday morning through Monday evening that could bring temperatures as high as 112 degrees to the western San Fernando Valley.
Widespread and long lasting heat is expected inland from the immediate coast starting Wednesday and lasting through to next Tuesday (through Labor Day Weekend) #CAwx pic.twitter.com/pn7JPMI4WB
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) August 29, 2022
No matter where you are in L.A., expect to see temperatures steadily increase over the first half of the week before settling into a streak of scorching days that reaches its apex of awfulness on Sunday. Exactly how bad it’ll be depends on your location: Downtown and Central L.A. will move into the 90s over the weekend and top out around 97 on Sunday, while the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys will be pushed into triple digits for pretty much that entire time (the NWS forecasts highs around 107 for Woodland Hills on Sunday).
The excessive heat watch covers just about all of L.A. with the exception of coastal areas, which will climb to hot-for-the-beach but comparatively cooler highs in the mid-80s. In other words, expect Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu to be absolutely bombarded with Angelenos seeking relief from the heat over what already promises to be a busy beach weekend. (Our advice: Try the shores toward the western end of Malibu where the crowds thin and the temperatures drop a couple of extra degrees.)
LABOR DAY WEEKEND OUTLOOK - VERY HOT! While it is still several days away, confidence is high for very hot conditions for the #LaborDay weekend. High risk of heat illnesses for most people, especially those active outdoors and without A/C. Please plan accordingly. #cawx pic.twitter.com/2J4l65QeeH
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) August 29, 2022
The NWS advises that this weekend’s temperatures significantly increase the potential for heat-related illness, so it suggests to drink plenty of fluids, stay inside an air-conditioned room and out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. It also reminds people to never leave pets or young children unattended in a vehicle.