LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A heat wave is expected in much of the Southland this week with temperatures inching upward each day, forecasters said.
"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 said.
The high in Downtown Los Angeles was expected to reach 91 on the Labor Day holiday and 94 by Wednesday.
The days will also be hotter in the valleys, where the Antelope Valley was already seeing triple-digit highs. The Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys will also exceed 100 degrees beginning Tuesday, and the San Gabriel Valley by Thursday.
Nighttime temperatures will also be on the rise, remaining in the 70s in the valleys in the latter part of the week and into next weekend.
Orange County will also feel the heat, with Anaheim expected to reach 90 on Monday, then rising to 92 on Wednesday.
The hot, dry weather will also create elevated fire conditions across the mountains, valleys and deserts throughout the week.
Health officials reminded 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, and to not leave young children or pets in unattended vehicles, where interiors reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.