Things are heating up this week, just in time for the Fourth of July weekend.
Later this week, LA County will see its warmest weather of summer. Temperatures will steadily rise before the Friday warmup, with some parts of Southern California reaching the 90s for the whole weekend.
"We haven't felt this kind of heat so far this year, and our bodies aren't acclimated to it," said NBC4 forecaster Belen De Leon.
In Van Nuys, a high of 81 is forecast Wednesday before 86 on Thursday and into the low 90s Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Similar temperature spikes are expected throughout Southern California.
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"Those 90s could continue into the holiday," De Leon said
This high heat is not technically a heat wave, NBC4’s meteorologist David Biggar explained. “Instead, temperatures are returning back to normal for this time of year, after a prolonged period of cooler than normal temperatures.”
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Biggar wrote that the 4th of July has an average high temperature of of 81.3° in Downtown, and this year, it is expected to be 82°, though the exact number could change as the date gets closer.
Though things will seem hot this weekend, Biggar wrote that temperatures have been rather low this year.
“Downtown LA typically hits 90°+ for the first time around mid-April, but this year we still have not hit 90°,” he explained.
Biggar wrote that the heat could be dangerous since residents have adjusted to cooler-than-normal temperatures.
Heat is responsible for the most weather-related fatalities in the U.S., having a higher toll than floods, tornadoes and hurricanes.
To stay safe amid the high temperatures, try to stay inside during the hottest times of the day, around 3 p.m. If you do not have access to a space with air conditioning, you can visit one of the state's Cooling Centers.
If you are choosing to celebrate July 4 outdoors, make sure to drink a lot of water and consider putting on loose lightweight clothing or sunscreen. Take some time in the shade and check in on the people around you to see how they are feeling.
If you suspect that you or someone around you is experiencing a heat-related illness, you should seek medical attention.
