The prolonged heat wave that Santa Clarita has been experiencing is expected to continue throughout the coming week, with temperatures forecast for as high as 107 degrees.

In response to the expected heat, the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch that is expected to last from Monday morning to Tuesday evening. This means that there is an increased potential for serious heat-related illnesses, especially for the young and elderly, those performing outdoor activities and those without access to air conditioning, as well as an increased potential for power outages.

“We’ve got this persistent high pressure,” said Bonnie Bartling, weather specialist with the National Weather Service. “Then Monday and Tuesday, we’ll get a break from the onshore and get the offshore, making it hotter.”

Monday has forecasted high temperature of 105 degrees. Tuesday is expected to be the hottest day of the week, with a high of up to 107 degrees.

The high temperatures from Wednesday to Friday are forecasted to be anywhere between 104 and 106 degrees.

The increased temperatures, along with the forecasted low humidity and high winds, have caused officials to raise the fire levels for Santa Clarita to critical.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department is preparing for the high fire conditions in Santa Clarita by sending more firefighters to the area to battle any brush fires that may flare up, said Marvin Lim, a spokesperson with the LACoFD.   

Along with the heat, the Santa Clarita Valley is also experiencing a decrease in air quality, with a forecasted Air Quality Index (AQI) of 100 for both Sunday and Monday, according to officials with the Environmental Protection Agency.

While this is not cause for concern for most people, residents who are unusually sensitive to ozone should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, as well as watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath, according to EPA officials.

The heat wave began in the beginning of July, when Santa Clarita experienced record-breaking temperatures of up to 115 degrees.

And the heat is expected to remain for quite some time.

“Throughout August 18 high pressure will be sitting over the west,” said Eric Boldt, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “We are still in a long haul for high temperatures throughout the interior valleys.”  

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