A major late-summer heat wave was building over the Southland Monday, with temperatures expected to surpass 100 degrees across the valleys beginning Tuesday and lasting through next weekend.
“Temperatures are expected to increase by a few degrees each day, with hazardous heat developing [mid-week] across most areas besides the beaches,” the National Weather Service warned.
An excessive heat warning was issued from 11 a.m. Tuesday to at least 8 p.m. Friday in the western San Fernando Valley, and from 11 a.m. Wednesday to at least 8 p.m. Friday for most other areas of Los Angeles County.
Downtown Los Angeles reached 89 degrees on Monday’s Labor Day holiday, but was expected to climb to 98 on Thursday and 99 on Friday, according to the NWS.
Van Nuys reached 99 on Monday and was expected to be in the low 100s for the rest of the week, as were Burbank and Pasadena.
West Hollywood was 88 on Monday, with highs of 96 expected Thursday and Friday.
Woodland Hills is expected to top out at 110 degrees for three straight days beginning Wednesday, while Lancaster was forecast to reach 106 on Thursday and Friday.
Nighttime temperatures are also be on the rise, and are expected to remain in the 70s in the valleys into the weekend.
Orange County was feeling the heat too, with Anaheim reaching 89 degrees on Monday and expected to reach 96 Wednesday, 98 Thursday and 97 Friday. Irvine was expected to reach 96 on Thursday and 95 on Friday.
Some relief is available at the beaches, where Santa Monica was 79 on Monday’s holiday, but expected to climb to 85 by Thursday. Huntington Beach was expected to top out at 80 degrees Thursday and Friday.
Officials are warning the public to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Residents are also urged to never leave children or pets in unattended vehicles, which will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
The hot, dry weather will also create elevated fire conditions across the mountains, valleys and deserts throughout the week.