Newport Beach residents face the peak of Southern California's heat wave Friday and Saturday, July 24-25, with temperatures in the mid-80s to lower 90s and overnight lows that won't drop below the upper 60s to mid-70s, according to the National Weather Service.
The NWS issued a Heat Advisory for coastal Orange County running from 10 a.m. Friday, July 24, through 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 28. Forecasters said the combination of prolonged daytime heat, warm overnight conditions, and increased humidity raises the risk of heat illness, particularly for people without reliable air conditioning.
"That means the evenings will remain quite hot, and even overnight, when people might open their windows to try to cool off their homes, you're not going to see a whole lot of help there in a lot of areas," NWS Oxnard meteorologist Robbie Munroe told the Los Angeles Times on Monday, July 21.
Hotter nights deprive the body of its chance to recover, increasing the risk of heat-related illness, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittell of the Oxnard office called this heat wave "the hottest stretch so far this year" for Southern California.
Beach danger compounds the risk
Residents seeking relief at the shore face a separate hazard. The NWS issued a Beach Hazards Statement for coastal Orange County through Sunday evening, July 27, warning of five-to-seven-foot surf, increased rip currents, and dangerous swimming conditions. Surf is expected to peak Friday and Saturday with heights of four to eight feet at south-facing beaches.
The agency warned of minor coastal flooding during evening high tides over the weekend, with tides between 5.5 and 6.5 feet.
Newport Beach lifeguards made approximately 100 rescues on Monday, July 20, amid dangerous surf and rip currents. Chief Lifeguard Brian O'Rourke told KTLA that day that lifeguards "were rescuing a lot of people" and urged beachgoers to use caution.
The NWS advises swimmers to stay near lifeguards and avoid rock jetties, which can be deadly in high-surf conditions.
Air quality warning
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an ozone advisory through 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, as the prolonged heat fuels a multiday smog event. Children, older adults, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions should limit prolonged outdoor exertion when air quality reaches unhealthy levels, the district said.
When relief arrives
A gradual cooldown should begin Monday, July 27, as the high-pressure system responsible for the heat starts moving east and cooler ocean air pushes farther inland, according to the NWS. Temperatures will fall a few more degrees Tuesday, July 28, before the heat threat largely subsides Wednesday, July 29. By Thursday, July 30, coastal highs should range from the mid-70s to around 80 degrees.
Forecasters are monitoring the possibility that high pressure will rebuild late next week, potentially bringing another round of intense heat.
Staying safe
The NWS advises residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors. Orange County's cooling center directory is active at ocgov.com/cooling-centers.
