This LA Heat Wave Is Set to Challenge Records From the 1930s

A record-breaking heat wave is sending residents of Los Angeles indoors as temperatures soar into the upper 90s. Here is the latest on the sizzling weather, as well as when you can expect the heat to break.

Los Angeles Braces for Prolonged Heat Wave

The heat wave that is currently impacting Los Angeles and much of Southern California and the Southwest is going to persist for days. Forecasters are warning that the large dome of high pressure anchored over the interior Southwest will continue to bring toasty temperatures all the way to the Pacific coastline into the end of August.

The City of Angels notched a high of 98 degrees on both Sunday and Monday, matching the high mark of the season from March 17. The latest forecast models signal that downtown Los Angeles could see temperatures reach the century mark on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The extreme heat will persist through the end of the month, resulting in what could be a 13-day stretch of temperatures reaching 90 degrees or higher.

Daily high records that date back to the early 1930s could fall during this time period. While the current heat wave will break the all-time record of 113 degrees in Los Angeles, the longevity of this weather pattern could land it in the history books.

The mercury is predicted to hover 10 to 15 degrees above the historical average through August 30. Daily highs will bounce around at levels 4 to 8 degrees over the norm for the end of August for communities farther inland, including Palm Springs, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. This will translate to highs in the 110s through the weekend for these desert cities.

The beaches of Southern California will also be baking in the heat in the days ahead. For instance, highs are forecast to climb into the low 90s in Long Beach through Saturday. San Diego will avoid the worst of the heat, remaining in the 80s for top readings.

While it will be good beach weather, forecasters are cautioning swimmers to be careful of building surf conditions. New tropical activity springing to life off the coast of Mexico will generate large swells capable of traveling as far as the California coastline.