On the afternoon of September 6, 2024, at approximately 2:30 PM, the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team (AMRT) responded to a hiker in distress near the Chuck Ballard Memorial Bridge. The hiker, suffering from heat illness, was extracted and is expected to recover.
The first week of September 2024 brought yet another significant heat wave to Southern California, with temperatures across many coastal valleys soaring into the 110s Fahrenheit. In lower Eaton Canyon, where Southern California Edison installed multiple weather stations in 2020 as a part of their controversial Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) program, high temperatures ranged from 111°F to 113°F. Henninger Flats, in comparison, recorded slightly cooler but still scorching highs of 107°F to 109°F. Old town Pasadena likely tied its record for hottest afternoon in 117 years of weather record keeping after reaching 115°F.
Heat illnesses are serious conditions that can escalate rapidly if not addressed. Symptoms include:
- No sweating
- Confusion or disorientation
- Limping or difficulty walking
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Throbbing headache
- Pale skin
- Unconsciousness
Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, is a medical emergency that can be lethal. If you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke, immediately call 9-1-1.