Temperatures in Pasadena will hit the mid-90s and approach 97 degrees this weekend under a National Weather Service heat advisory that took effect at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, and runs through 8 p.m. Monday, July 27.
NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittell called this the hottest stretch of the year so far for Southern California, with readings 8 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit above normal and overnight lows stuck in the mid-60s. That means little nighttime relief for residents trying to cool their homes.
"That means the evenings will remain quite hot, and even overnight, when people might open their windows to try to cool off their homes, you're not going to see a whole lot of help there in a lot of areas," NWS meteorologist Robbie Munroe told the Los Angeles Times on Monday, July 21.
Wildfire risk in the foothills
The Weather Service warned of elevated to brief critical fire weather conditions across Southern California's valleys, mountains, and deserts through Monday, July 27, driven by hot temperatures and dry vegetation. Officials flagged a high risk of fast-moving, "plume-dominated" fires that generate their own weather and can spread rapidly even without wind.
The Pasadena Fire Department's standing guidance calls for residents to clear dry brush, dead trees, and flammable material within 100 feet of their homes. The department also recommends keeping roofs and gutters free of leaves and debris and maintaining five feet of vertical clearance between roof surfaces and overhanging branches.
Heat-illness danger
Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis warned that heat kills more people in the U.S. annually than floods, storms, and lightning combined. Older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and people with chronic medical conditions face the highest risk.
Nearly 24,000 seniors live in Pasadena, roughly one in six residents, according to city health department estimates. Adults 85 and older die from heat-related causes at a rate more than 100 times that of children ages 5 to 14, according to county health data cited by the Pasadena Public Health Department.
The health department is asking residents to check on older neighbors and relatives, make sure they have water and access to air conditioning, and call 911 if anyone shows signs of heat stroke: a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, confusion, dizziness, rapid pulse, or hot, dry skin.
Where to cool off
The Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., is open as an air-conditioned relief space Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekend hours have not been confirmed for this heat wave; call (626) 744-7300 to check availability.
City pools open during the advisory period include John J. Kennedy Pool at 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center at 360 N. Arroyo Blvd., and the La Pintoresca Park Splash Pad at 45 E. Washington Blvd. Pasadena Public Libraries also offer air-conditioned spaces during regular hours.
Pasadena Dial-A-Ride members who need transportation to a cooling location can call (626) 791-7200. Residents can also find the nearest countywide cooling center at ready.lacounty.gov/heat or by calling 211.
Energy and emergency contacts
Pasadena Water and Power asks customers to set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher and limit use of large appliances during peak hours of 4 to 9 p.m. For power emergencies, call (626) 744-4673.
Residents can sign up for the Pasadena Local Emergency Alert System at CityOfPasadena.net/Fire/PLEAS/ and find updated information at the city's Extreme Weather Portal: CityOfPasadena.net/extreme-weather-portal.
NWS forecasters said there is a 60% to 80% chance that above-normal temperatures will continue between July 27 and August 2.
