LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Torrid temperatures that have broiled the Southland for much of the week will persist at least through today, amid continued calls for residents to conserve electricity.
The ``dangerously high temperatures'' are the result of a strong high pressure and weak onshore flow, according to the National Weather Service.
As has been the case for the past week, the hottest areas will be the mountains and valleys of Los Angeles County, with temperature highs in those areas soaring into the triple digits.
High temperatures today will be in the 80s at the beaches ... 93 to 101 inland ... up to 108 in the valleys.
On Friday, temperatures reached 111 degrees in Woodland Hills, tying the record for the date set in 2007.
Triple-digits were common throughout the area Friday, with more of the same on tap for today. A slight cooling trend begins later today, but the only areas that will slip below 100 are downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach and San Gabriel.
Excessive heat warnings will remain in force until 10 p.m. today in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel and Antelope valleys, the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains and along what the NWS calls the coast, which includes beach cities, metropolitan Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills
An excessive heat warning also will be in effect in Inland Orange County today. A less serious heat advisory will be in force at the same time in the county's coastal communities.
``Some cooling is expected (today), but temperatures will still be well above normal and all the current advisories and warnings will continue through at least Saturday evening,'' forecasters said.
The California Independent System Operator, which manages the state's power grid, issued a statewide Flex Alert for Friday, and continue to call for voluntary electricity conservation.
``Consumers are urged to conserve electricity especially during the late afternoon when air conditioners typically are at peak use,'' according to Cal- ISO, which also issued a Flex-Alert on Tuesday.
Strain on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's system continued to lead to power outages as recently as Friday, when about 9,300 DWP customers were without power.
The weather service again urged area residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from such heat-related illnesses as heat strokes by avoiding strenuous work during peak temperatures, staying hydrated, wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing, checking on friends and neighbors -- especially the elderly -- and by never leaving children, seniors or pets in cars parked in hot weather, even for a short time and even with windows cracked open.