A dangerous heat wave will hit Southern California Sunday, and illnesses are likely as temperatures soar into record triple digits through the next few days.

“Heat related illness is likely for those involved in strenuous activity, or those with health conditions that do not have adequate access to air conditioning,” National Weather Service forecasters warned. “If untreated, heat illness events could be fatal.

“Never leave children or pets inside a parked car!”

Santa Ana winds will not only mean searing heat for the region, authorities also warned of increased fire danger.

Temperatures Sunday are expected to hit 94 degrees in downtown Los Angeles and other inland areas, increasing to the 100-degree mark or more Monday through Wednesday.

Local beach areas will provide a bit of relief — but not much — as the mercury soars along the coast to 90 Sunday and into the mid-90s for the following couple days.

It’ll stay warm overnight, too. Low temperatures will hover around 70 degrees.

“An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur,” forecasters said. “The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.”

— Staff and wire reports

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