Approaching Heat Wave Sparks Wildfire Concerns

Southland temperatures will spike to the high 90s today and climb even higher tomorrow, raising some concern about the possibility of wildfires and sharp fears about the safety of the region's pets.

The mini heat wave rolling over Southern California is the product of an unusually strong upper-level high-pressure system combined with warm, Santa Ana winds, according to National Weather Service meteorologists.

Weak-to-moderate offshore winds are expected today below northeast- facing passes and canyons in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, gusting to 25-30 miles per hour in the valleys and 40 mph in the mountains, the NWS said in an advisory issued from its Oxnard station.

The winds will bring both coastal and inland locations highs in the mid-to-high 90s, with the thermometer occasionally reaching the century mark today and, likely, even more frequently Thursday.  

Temperatures will be 10-20 degrees higher than normal in some areas, NWS meteorologists said.

"Residents not used to this heat should be extra cautious with outdoor activities and check on those without air conditioning,'' according to an NWS advisory.

A cooling trend will get under way Friday. Until then, "the combination of offshore winds, hot temperatures and lowering humidities will bring heightened fire weather concerns to the region,'' according to the NWS advisory.

But it said that if red flag conditions arise, it likely will be "only local'' -- not widespread.

The resurgence of sweltering heat triggered a sharp warning from the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, which urged area residents never to leave pets inside a vehicle, even if parked in the shade or with the windows cracked open.

The temperature inside a vehicle can rise 20 to 30 degrees above the outside temperature in a matter of minutes, putting your pet at risk if left in the car on a warm day,'' department Director Marcia Mayeda said in a statement.

If you like to take your pet with you while running errands or when you travel, make sure you can bring your pet with you when you exit the vehicle,'' she said.

Mayeda noted that dogs have limited means to cool themselves and can be overcome by heat exhaustion in minutes.

She urged people to call their local animal control agency if they see a pet locked in a car on a warm day. If the animal appears to be in immediate danger, however, people should call 911, she said.