A prolonged stretch of unusually hot weather is expected to grip Southern California beginning this weekend and continuing into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to climb steadily through Sunday before peaking Monday, when some inland areas could see highs reaching the upper 90s to around 100 degrees.
Forecasters said an upper-level ridge of high pressure will strengthen over California early next week.
“This will bring temperatures 15 to 20 degrees above average for the far inland valleys, mountains and deserts on Monday, which continues to be forecast as the hottest day of the week,” the weather agency said.
Temperatures are expected to remain above normal through next Thursday.
Forecasters said cooler ocean air will help keep beaches and some western valley areas from getting as hot, while periods of low clouds and fog are expected near the coast at times.
Before the peak heat arrives, forecasters said temperatures are expected to continue warming Friday, especially in inland areas, with highs reaching the 60s and 70s in coastal and valley communities, the 80s inland and near 90 degrees in the Antelope Valley.