An intense March heat has hit Southern California, breaking decades-old temperature records. However, forecasters warn that the worst is yet to come.
Temperatures have risen sharply since Monday and have already broken records. In Woodland Hills, temperatures soared to 97 degrees, beating the previous high of 94, set back in 2007.
At Hollywood Burbank Airport, temperatures reached 92 degrees, surpassing a record set in 2004. In the Bay Area, temperatures reached 90 degrees in Redwood City, the hottest day in March since first recorded there in 1930.
But forecasters say temperatures could even rise. Meteorologists say temperatures could rise a further five to seven degrees inland, with coastal areas up to 25 degrees warmer than Monday 16 March.
Temperatures are expected to reach 98 degrees in Los Angeles on Friday, March 20, while San Bernardino could hit 105 degrees and Covina 103 degrees.
Forecasters expect some areas to even hit 100 degrees, about 35 degrees above normal for March.
Extreme heat warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
The extreme heat will be in effect until Friday evening. The hot weather is particularly dangerous in the early season, as the public has not had a chance to acclimatise.
Residents are encouraged to stay indoors, stay hydrated and check on vulnerable people. For public emergency aid, cooling centers are open at public libraries and community centers.
The heat wave is expected to peak on Tuesday 17 March and Wednesday 18 March before slowly abating.
