Southern California Sets Heat Records as Downtown LA Ties 105 Degrees

Q: As Tropical Storm Marie ruins Labor Day plans, what hidden dangers still lurk beneath the crashing waves for returning beachgoers?

The biggest hidden danger is not the rain but the ocean itself: strong rip currents and powerful, erratic surf remain even as Tropical Storm Marie weakens offshore. Forecasters and lifeguards warned that Marie’s swell was still driving 6- to 10-foot waves at some Southern California beaches, with “life-threatening” rip currents capable of pulling swimmers and surfers out to sea. Those currents can persist after skies clear, making the water look safer than it is. Officials also warned that large breaking waves can knock people off their feet, wash them off rocks or jetties, and capsize small boats near shore. Another less visible risk is contamination from runoff. In Long Beach, health officials advised against swimming for at least three days because rainwater flowing from storm drains and rivers can foul beach and bay water, creating unhealthy conditions for swimmers even after the surf eases. Beachgoers also face flooding and erosion hazards around high tide. Low-lying parking lots, walkways, roads and beaches can still flood, and Long Beach’s Alamitos Peninsula remains especially vulnerable because past high tides have already damaged structures there. The practical takeaway from weather officials is simple: stay out of the water unless conditions are clearly safe, swim only near staffed lifeguard towers, avoid rocks and jetties, and do not assume calmer weather means the danger has passed.

3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Sep 8

105-degree heat hit downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, while Long Beach and Anaheim reached 107, Santa Ana 108 and Escondido 112 as records fell across California.
5 to 10 degrees of added “real feel” heat came from unusually high humidity, with dew points in the 70s across much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties after moisture from former Tropical Storm Marie.
Extreme heat warnings remain in effect through Thursday across most of Los Angeles County, and officials said the humid heat raises risks of dehydration, heart strain and other heat-related illness, especially for older people and those without air conditioning.
Friday should bring the first meaningful relief: forecasters expect temperatures to fall another 5 degrees after a similar drop Thursday, with tropical moisture finally easing.