Heat wave breaks records across Southern California

Southern California could experience temperatures 15 to 20 degrees above normal as an early autumn heat wave peaks.

Valley neighborhoods will swelter under triple-digit heat.

Forecasters urged residents to protect themselves and their loved ones against dehydration, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.

Until then, the area will see a gradual cool-down, Thompson said, with temperatures dropping a few degrees Saturday and a few more on Sunday. Woodland Hills also is expected to return to the 90s Sunday and to the 80s on Tuesday.

Temperatures will climb significantly Friday – generally between 5 and 8 degrees – reaching a high of 97 in downtown L.A. and 103 in Woodland Hills, which tends to be the hottest community in Los Angeles County.

Also issued for Orange County was a beach hazard statement, which is less serious than a high surf advisory. Those at high risk include children, the elderly and pets without adequate shelter.

National Weather Service map shows high temperatures forecast for Friday.

Santa Ana’s high of 106 smashed the previous record of 102 from 1988.

Forecasters say the heat should begin easing this weekend. “Try to swim parallel to shore to get out of the current”, it said.