Santa Monica faces a week of extreme heat starting Friday, Oct. 2, with the National Weather Service issuing an Extreme Heat Warning through 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8.
Coastal temperatures could reach 90 degrees and valley areas could hit 105 during the warning period, which begins at 10 a.m. Friday, Spectrum News reported. Saturday, Oct. 3, is expected to be the hottest day, with most coastal areas reaching the 90s. That is about 15 to 20 degrees above normal.
The City of Santa Monica said on X that residents needing to cool down should head to any Santa Monica public library, which are serving as cooling centers.
The NWS warned that while the heat wave may not break records, its length makes it especially dangerous. Warm overnight temperatures will limit relief from daytime heat throughout the week.
Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said heat "causes more deaths in the U.S. annually than floods, storms, and lightning combined." He identified older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes and people with chronic medical conditions as those most at risk.
Where to cool off
Santa Monica's five public library branches are open as cooling centers during standard hours:
- Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. — Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Fairview Branch, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd. — Monday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.
- Montana Branch, 1704 Montana Ave. — Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Ocean Park Branch, 2601 Main St. — Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Pico Branch, 2201 Pico Blvd. — Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Each cooling center has air conditioning, bathrooms, drinking water and ADA access, according to LA County's heat resource page.
How to stay safe
LA County Public Health advises residents to drink two to four glasses of water every hour during extreme heat. The department also advises avoiding alcohol, which can cause dehydration. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when possible.
Never leave children or pets in a vehicle, even briefly. Call 911 if you see a child or pet alone in a car.
Signs of heat stroke that require a 911 call include confusion, fainting, hot red skin, body temperature of 103°F or higher, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness and nausea.
The heat is expected to ease slightly Sunday, Oct. 4, but temperatures will remain 10 to 15 degrees above normal Monday through Wednesday. Humidity may increase midweek as moisture from Hurricane Rachel moves into the region.
Forecasters said conditions could begin improving around Saturday, Oct. 10, though the NWS noted the warning could be extended into the second week of October. Residents can call 211 at any time to find the nearest cooling center.
