Pasadena residents face four days of temperatures between 90 and 92 degrees as a National Weather Service heat advisory remains in effect through Friday, July 10, prompting local and county health officials to urge people to recognize the signs of heat stroke before it's too late.
The advisory, which took effect Tuesday, July 7, covers Pasadena, Altadena, and surrounding San Gabriel Valley communities. Wednesday, July 8, and Thursday, July 9, are expected to be the hottest days, with a slight cooldown forecast for Friday.
"Heat causes more deaths in the U.S. annually than floods, storms, and lightning combined," said Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County health officer, in a county press release. Davis identified older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and people with chronic medical conditions as those most at risk.
The Pasadena Public Health Department, led by Director Manuel Carmona, posted its own advisory Tuesday spelling out the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion brings muscle cramps, heavy sweating, nausea, a fast or weak pulse, and weakness or fainting. Heat stroke is the emergency: confusion, unconsciousness, a rapid and strong pulse, very high body temperature, and red, hot and dry skin. The department's message is direct: if someone shows heat stroke symptoms, call 911. Without emergency treatment, heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death, according to the CDC.
NWS meteorologist Spencer Fielding attributed the heat wave to a high-pressure system parked over the region, pushing San Gabriel Valley temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal for early July. According to NWS meteorologist Carol Ciliberti, that same system is suppressing air pollution dispersal, trapping particulate matter closer to the ground, a compounding concern for residents with respiratory conditions.
This is not a one-week problem. NWS meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld warned that after a weekend cooldown, another heat wave is forecast to build across the West beginning around Saturday, July 18.
Where to cool off
The Jackie Robinson Community Center at 1020 North Fair Oaks Avenue has served as Pasadena's designated cooling center during past heat events. Residents should call (626) 744-7300 to confirm current hours and availability before visiting. Pasadena's public library branches are not official cooling centers but offer air-conditioned relief during regular hours.
Countywide cooling center locations, splash pads, and pool information are available at ready.lacounty.gov/heat or by calling 211, which operates around the clock.
Staying safe
County health officials recommend drinking water throughout the day without waiting to feel thirsty, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, applying sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, and scheduling outdoor activities outside peak heat hours. Residents without air conditioning can take cool showers, reduce stove and oven use, and visit air-conditioned public spaces.
Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even with windows cracked. Call 911 if you see a child or pet alone in a car.
Resources
Pasadena Dial-A-Ride members can schedule rides to cooling locations at (626) 791-7200. For power emergencies, contact Pasadena Water and Power at (626) 744-4673. Residents can sign up for the Pasadena Local Emergency Alert System at CityOfPasadena.net/Fire/PLEAS/ and check the city's Extreme Weather Portal at CityOfPasadena.net/extreme-weather-portal/ for forecasts, air quality data, and emergency contacts.
