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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Long Beach Airport reported a record high for the day and the heat wave that has gripped Southern California is expected to last until Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
It was 97 at Long Beach Airport on Monday, breaking the record high for the day of 96 set in 1995. Temperatures are expected to reach triple digits in parts of Los Angeles County and Orange County Tuesday.
"High pressure building over the region will bring hot weather to areas away from the coast through Wednesday," according to the NWS. "The hottest temperatures will occur today (Monday) and Tuesday, when near record heat will develop."
Forecasters said valley areas and lower mountain elevations will see triple-digit heat, with highs reaching about 10 degrees above normal.
An excessive heat warning will be in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, where temperatures could reach as high as 109 degrees, with overnight lows falling only into the 70s or 80s.
A less severe heat advisory will be in place until 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Santa Clarita Valley, Palos Verdes Hills, coastal areas reaching into downtown Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway corridor.
Temperatures in those areas could reach 105 degrees, with overnight cooling into the 60s and 70s.
In Orange County, a heat advisory will be in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday for the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills and inland areas. Those areas are expected to see temperatures of 95 to 100 degrees, according to the NWS.
Forecasters noted that far-inland areas of Los Angeles County were not expected to be quite as warm, because they will not have the heating effect of the offshore flow driving up temperatures in other areas.
Temperatures reached 102 degrees in Van Nuys on Sunday, while Lancaster reached 101 and Santa Clarita hit an even 100.
Downtown Los Angeles reached 93 degrees Sunday, and hit 95 by early Monday afternoon.
Significant cooling is likely later in the week, forecasters said.
"The city is preparing resources to help Angelenos stay safe during the heat expected this week," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass posted Sunday on social media. "Augmented cooling centers will open from 10am-9pm Monday and Tuesday. Reminder: our 73 @LAPublicLibrary's are designated cooling centers."
Bass announced six cooling centers would be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. They are at:
-- Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, 11075 Foothill Blvd.;
-- Mid Valley Senior Center, 8825 Kester Ave.;
-- Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center, 5056 Van Nuys Blvd.;
-- Lincoln Heights Senior Center, 2323 Workman St.;
-- Fred Roberts Recreation Center, 4700 Honduras St.; and
-- Jim Gilliam Recreation Center, 4000 S. La Brea Ave.
Angelenos can find respite from the heat at all Recreation and Parks facilities and library branches during their normal business hours, Bass said. For location and hours, see laparks.org/reccenter and www.lapl.org/branches.
Climate stations were operating in Skid Row as free, designated areas for residents there to stay cool. Urban Alchemy staff will offer cold beverages, seating and activities, she said. They are on Towne Street (between Fifth and Sixth streets), across the street from the ReFresh Spot and San Pedro Street between Sixth and Seventh streets.
Bass added that the Mayor's Office of Public Safety was working to coordinate with the Emergency Management Department, Los Angeles police and fire departments, Recreation and Parks, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and other city Departments to ensure all departments are ready to respond to the heat wave.
The NWS advised people to drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors if possible in an air-conditioned room, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Children and pets should never be left inside vehicles without air conditioning for any length of time, as death could occur in minutes when temperatures are this high.