Beginning Wednesday, August 20, and lasting through Sunday, August 24, 2025, South Pasadena and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley will be under the grip of a dangerous heatwave. Temperatures are forecast to climb into the upper 90s to lower 100s across inland valleys, creating health risks and heightened fire danger in the region.
Local Impact
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning from 11 a.m. Thursday through 9 p.m. Saturday covering much of Los Angeles County, including the San Gabriel Valley. In South Pasadena, temperatures are expected to hover near or above triple digits through the week.
Red Flag Warnings will also be in effect for the Angeles National Forest, just northeast of the city, raising wildfire concerns for foothill and mountain communities. Lightning from possible weekend thunderstorms could spark new fires or trigger debris flows in nearby burn scar areas.
County and Local Readiness
The Los Angeles County Fire Department is activating its augmented staffing plan, with additional crews and aircraft pre-positioned to respond to fires. Local fire stations in and around South Pasadena will be on high alert.
City officials are also urging residents to prepare for extreme heat. Cooling centers are available countywide, including locations near South Pasadena, for those without reliable access to air conditioning. Residents can call 2-1-1or visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat to find the nearest cooling center.
Safety Precautions for Residents
South Pasadena residents are advised to:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water frequently and avoid alcohol or caffeine.
- Plan Activities Wisely: Avoid outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Protect Yourself Outdoors: Use sunscreen, wear lightweight clothing, and seek shade.
- Protect Vulnerable Populations: Check on older adults, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and pets.
- Never Leave Children or Pets in Cars: Temperatures inside vehicles can become lethal within minutes.
For wildfire preparedness, residents are urged to review the Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Action Plan at fire.lacounty.gov/rsg. Those in hillside neighborhoods or near Arroyo Seco areas should also prepare for possible debris flow risks if thunderstorms develop.
South Pasadena Resources & Preparedness
Cooling Centers Nearby:
- South Pasadena Senior Center, 1102 Oxley Street – Open during business hours, extended hours may be activated during the heatwave.
- Pasadena Central Library (285 E. Walnut St.) and Pasadena Senior Center (85 E. Holly St.) – County-designated cooling locations.
Fire Stations Serving South Pasadena:
- L.A. County Fire Station 81 – 1129 S. Fair Oaks Ave.
- South Pasadena Fire Department – 817 Mound Ave.
Evacuation & Travel Routes:
- Mission Street, Fair Oaks Avenue, and Arroyo Parkway are the primary arterial roads connecting South Pasadena to Pasadena, Highland Park, and Alhambra. These may serve as evacuation routes in the event of wildfire or flood-related road closures.
- Residents living near hillside areas and the Arroyo Seco should remain alert to changing conditions and be prepared to leave quickly if necessary.
Stay Connected:
- Sign up for local emergency alerts at alert.lacounty.gov.
- For non-emergency assistance or cooling center information, call 2-1-1.
