Southern California is feeling a mini heat wave, with temperatures expected to climb about 5-10 degrees above area norms Wednesday and Thursday.
The heat spell was forecast to peak Wednesday and Thursday, ahead of some weekend cooling, followed by another bout of above-average temps early next week, according to the National Weather Service.
Wednesday's high in downtown Los Angeles is expected to be 88 degrees, with Pasadena expected to reach 91, Van Nuys expected to hit 93, Santa Clarita slated for 95 and Lancaster and Palmdale both expected to hover around 100 degrees.
Nearly identical numbers are forecast for Thursday.
The culprit, according to the weather service, was a high-pressure system over Arizona that's expanding westward into Southern California.
"Weakening onshore flow and subsidence aloft from the strengthening high pressure system will squash the marine layer to under 1,000 feet by Wednesday and bring significant warming to inland areas and minor warming to coastal areas," the NWS said.
Nighttime temps will mostly be in the 60s throughout the mini hot spell.
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Fire conditions were "seasonably elevated" into early next week -- with brief "critical fire weather conditions" in interior regions.
The hot, dry conditions are making the area more prone to fire starts, borne out by three relatively minor brush fires that broke out in Riverside County on Monday.
Mike Wofford of the National Weather Service described it as a “low-grade heat wave.”
“It's going to be warm like you said, but we're a long ways from breaking any records or, you know, reaching some of the super hot temperatures that we've seen in previous summers,” he told KNX News’ Jon Baird.
As always, health officials warn that, during heat waves, people should take precautions such as limiting outdoor activities, seeking out shade and staying hydrated.
Pets should also be kept in shady areas and given ample water. In addition, the public is reminded to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles for even a minute, as the interior of vehicles can quickly reach lethal temperatures.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged residents to take advantage of city locations that offer air-conditioning for people to escape the heat, such as recreation centers, municipal pools and libraries. A listing of available recreation centers is available at laparks.org/reccenter, while library locations are available at lapl.org/branches.
Residents can search for cooling centers near them HERE.
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