First Summer Scorcher of Season, Rising Fire Risks, Expected Next Week

The first widespread heat wave of summer will grip Pasadena early next week, with temperatures likely to climb into the upper 90s by Wednesday, National Weather Service forecasters said Thursday.

The significant warming trend will bring temperatures to 96 degrees Wednesday, marking a dramatic shift from this week’s comfortable conditions in the low 80s.

“Moderate to high confidence” exists for significant heat impacts beginning Tuesday and continuing through Thursday, according to weather service forecasters. The combination of extreme heat and dry conditions also raises fire weather concerns across the region.

Thursday’s high will reach 81 degrees with patchy fog clearing by 11 a.m. Friday’s Independence Day celebration will feature similar conditions with morning fog lifting and highs reaching 85 degrees.

The warming trend accelerates over the weekend. Saturday will see highs climb to 87 degrees, followed by 88 degrees Sunday and 89 degrees Monday. Tuesday brings 91-degree heat before Wednesday’s dangerous peak.

Pasadena’s location in the San Gabriel Valley positions the city to experience more significant heating than coastal areas. While beach communities may stay in the 70s and 80s, inland areas will see temperatures climb well into the 90s.

No significant rainfall is forecast for the Pasadena area over the next week. However, forecasters note a small possibility of thunderstorms developing in mountain areas by Tuesday as monsoon moisture potentially moves into Southern California.

The heat wave will likely persist through Thursday before a gradual cooling trend begins. Temperatures will remain above normal even as they decrease, meaning continued elevated heat impacts.

Residents should prepare for potentially dangerous heat levels, especially those without adequate air conditioning. Weather officials recommend checking air conditioning systems and planning indoor activities for early next week.

Light wind conditions will persist through the weekend with calm mornings and gentle south-southwest breezes of 5 mph during afternoons.

Here is the latest forecast for Pasadena from the National Weather Service as of 3:31 a.m.Thursday:

Today: Patchy fog before 11:00a.m. Otherwise, cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight: Patchy dense fog after 11:00 p.m. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 60. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light south after midnight.

Independence Day: Patchy dense fog before 11:00 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Patchy dense fog after 11:00 p.m. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 60. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday: Patchy dense fog before 11:00 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: Patchy fog after 11:00 p.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Sunday: Patchy fog before 11:00 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 88.

Sunday Night: Patchy fog after 11:00 p.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Monday: Patchy fog before 11:00 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 89.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.