Valley temperatures in Camarillo and Moorpark could hit 105 degrees starting Friday, Oct. 2, as a week-long Extreme Heat Warning takes effect across Ventura County.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles/Oxnard office issued the warning on Thursday, Oct. 1. It runs from 10 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, covering the coast and valleys of both Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Coastal areas could see temperatures up to 90 degrees.
The agency warned that the heat may not stop there. The warning noted that hot temperatures are likely to continue into the second week of October and could require an extension.
"This is one of the longer-duration ones that I've seen in my time at this office," Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist with the NWS Oxnard office, told the Los Angeles Times. Schoenfeld said high pressure over Southern California and a lack of wind are driving the event, and weather service models show it could last through mid-October.
Sunday, Oct. 4, is expected to be the peak. Triple-digit temperatures are forecast across parts of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, according to the weather service.
The heat wave also raises wildfire concerns. Low humidity and dry conditions create a high risk for fast-moving wildfires, according to NWS meteorologists, though as of Thursday no red flag warnings had been issued.
California's power grid is bracing for the strain. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) expects electricity demand to peak at 43.2 gigawatts on Tuesday, Oct. 6, about 14% above the 37.9 gigawatts it had projected for October, according to Bloomberg as cited by Insurance Business magazine. The grid operator has restricted planned maintenance in Southern California on Monday and Tuesday.
The NWS urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sun and check on relatives and neighbors. The agency also warned against leaving children or pets in unattended vehicles, noting that car interiors reach lethal temperatures within minutes.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms include a throbbing headache, confusion, slurred speech, hot or dry skin, rapid heartbeat and body temperatures above 103 degrees. The NWS advises calling 911 immediately if someone shows those signs.
Ventura County disaster response manager Daniel Maguire urged residents in an August interview with the county to register for VC Alert, the county's emergency notification system, for phone, text and email updates. Residents can also visit VCEmergency.com for emergency information and weather.gov/lox for updated NWS forecasts.
