LOS ANGELES (CNS) - It may be February, but it felt like summer across much of the Southland today as a heat wave settled over the region, with hot conditions expected to last through Sunday's Super Bowl.
``Sunny, warm and windy today with near record high maximum temperatures,'' according to the National Weather Service. ``It will remain warm through Sunday with some morning canyon breezes. Much cooler Monday and then cloudier cooler with a slight chance of rain on Tuesday.''
Thursday's heat was being fed in part by strong Santa Ana winds that whipped up in some areas, prompting wind advisories that will remain in place until 4 p.m. in the Los Angeles County and Santa Monica mountains, the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and San Gabriel valleys and the coastal region stretching into downtown Los Angeles.
Some mountain areas were seeing wind gusts of up to 70 mph, according to the NWS.
But the big issue is the heat.
A heat advisory will be in place until 6 p.m. Sunday for the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys and the coastal area. All the affected areas could see temperatures into the 90s.
The heat could set a record for the hottest-ever kickoff temperature at a Super Bowl. The current record is 84 degrees, set at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 1973. Temperatures at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood Sunday afternoon are forecast to be in the mid to upper 80s.
The NWS noted that ``picture-postcard perfect weather will be on display Sunday for anyone seeing the LA coast on their TVs.''
But the picture-perfect conditions can also be dangerous, particularly for people working or taking part in activities outdoors.
``Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,'' the NWS advised. ``When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.''
Forecasters said that while the Santa Ana winds will ease this evening, conditions will remain breezy through Sunday.