Pasadena's heat wave isn't ending this week. After a brief midweek dip, temperatures will climb back toward 99°F by Saturday, August 1, according to a National Weather Service forecast issued Sunday, July 26.
The city remains under both a Heat Advisory and an Air Quality Alert, a combination that raises the stakes for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and anyone without air conditioning at home.
The forecast, day by day
Tuesday, July 28, brings a high near 95°F. Tuesday drops slightly to 93°F. Thursday, July 30, offers the week's only real relief at 89°F. Then the rebound begins: 95°F Thursday, 97°F Friday, and a peak near 99°F on Saturday, August 1, under sunny skies.
Overnight lows offer little recovery. They start around 64°F early in the week and creep to roughly 67°F by Friday night. No rain is expected at any point, and winds stay light out of the south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph during the day.
The NWS forecast shows a ridge of high pressure holding over Southern California into the following week, with no cooldown in sight.
Why it matters
Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis said on Thursday, July 23, when the county issued its heat advisory for Pasadena and Altadena: "Heat causes more deaths in the U.S. annually than floods, storms, and lightning combined. Those most likely to get ill during the heat include older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and individuals with chronic medical conditions."
The county cited unusually warm overnight conditions that limit the body's ability to recover during sleep.
Air quality compounds the risk
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an ozone advisory during the heat event, warning of unhealthful air quality in inland valleys including the San Gabriel Valley. The NWS alert advises residents with asthma or heart conditions to limit prolonged outdoor exertion while conditions persist.
Wildfire precautions
With no rain and dry conditions persisting, the Pasadena Fire Department urged residents in a July preparedness bulletin to clear dry brush and dead trees within 100 feet of their homes, keep roofs and gutters free of debris, and use fire-resistant landscaping. That guidance remains in effect.
Cooling resources
The Jackie Robinson Community Center at 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. is Pasadena's designated cooling center. Hours for the week of July 28 have not been confirmed; residents should check CityOfPasadena.net/extreme-weather-portal or call (626) 744-7300.
Public pools open during the heat event 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 Dial-A-Ride members who need transportation to a cooling location can call (626) 791-7200. Countywide, residents can find the nearest cooling center by visiting ready.lacounty.gov/heat or calling 211.
Pasadena Water and Power advises setting thermostats to 78°F or higher and reducing energy use during peak hours of 4 to 9 p.m. For power emergencies, call PWP at (626) 744-4673.
Residents can sign up for emergency alerts through the Pasadena Local Emergency Alert System at CityOfPasadena.net/Fire/PLEAS/.
