Southern California is currently experiencing a late-season heatwave, with advisories issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) indicating that unseasonably high temperatures are expected to persist for at least a week. Downtown Los Angeles could see temperatures hovering near 100F, while inland areas may experience temperatures well into the triple digits.
This heatwave increases the risk of both heat-related illness and wildfires. Richard Bann, a meteorologist with the NWS’s Weather Prediction Center, noted that temperatures are anticipated to be 15-20 degrees above normal. V Kelly Turner, a professor of geography and urban planning at UCLA, stated that Friday's temperature was nearly 7F hotter than the hottest October 2 ever recorded and approximately 30 degrees higher than historical averages.
While October heatwaves are not uncommon in the region, experts suggest the current severity and duration are extreme. This year's heatwave is influenced by high air pressure ridges and an ongoing marine heatwave, which is driving a strong El Niño. David Neelin, an atmospheric physicist at UCLA, explained that a warmer climate contributes to the strength, probability, and duration of heatwaves.
Current forecasts do not predict strong winds that would exacerbate wildfires, though the increased heat and low soil moisture still elevate the risk. Edith de Guzman, a researcher at UCLA, highlighted that this week's heatwave coincides with major outdoor events, including the first game of the National League division series between the LA Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.