A spring heat wave in Southern California is expected to bring sizzling temperatures through the weekend, with Friday and Saturday likely the hottest days, according to the National Weather Service.
The region is forecast to experience highs in the mid-90s both days, bringing summer-like conditions to the Southland in April.
The hot weather comes as the state remains under a stay-at-home mandate due to the coronavirus outbreak, raising concerns that the heat will prompt residents to flout the order and crowd closed beaches and parks. Los Angeles County beaches are closed, while some beaches in Ventura and Orange counties are open.
Temperatures are expected to hit 92 degrees in downtown Los Angeles, 98 in Burbank, 98 in Anaheim, 95 in San Bernardino, 97 in Riverside and 94 in Irvine.
Some inland desert areas, like Palm Springs and Thermal, could see temperatures of up to 102 degrees on Friday, forecasters said.
Elsewhere, slightly cooler temperatures are expected along the coast, but even beaches will approach the upper 80s, according to forecasters.
The scorching temperatures have prompted the weather service to issue a heat advisory for a large swath of the region through early Saturday evening.
With hotter weather bringing the potential for heat-related illness, NWS recommends staying indoors as much as possible, dressing in lightweight and lighter-colored clothing, and keeping hydrated.
People are also reminded to never leave children or pets alone in a hot vehicle.
In Los Angeles County, officials said they activated 10 cooling centers for Friday and Saturday, which will operate from noon to 6 p.m. Each will maintain coronavirus-related physical distancing and safety measures.
Meanwhile, strong winds that have battered the region the past few days will begin to die down on Friday.
But peak wind gusts of 35 to 60 mph, as well as isolated gusts of up to 75 mph, are still possible during the day.
Forecasters anticipate the strongest winds in the Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys and southern Santa Barbara County, and also the 5 Freeway corridor and coastal waters.
Potential impacts include downed trees and power lines, and hazardous driving and boating conditions.
