Sweltering heat wave will hit Southern California this week with highs reaching 113 degrees

Dangerously hot temperatures are expected in a heat wave hitting Southern California this week, with some highs well into the triple digits — including a forecast of 113 degrees in Woodland Hills.

From San Luis Obispo County down to San Diego County, in areas just away from the coastline, an excessive heat warning will be in place from 11 a.m. Wednesday through 8 p.m. Friday. The National Weather Service is warning of "dangerously hot conditions" following Labor Day, with a heat wave starting Tuesday and peaking on Thursday and Friday.

On Wednesday, forecasters said the heat wave will last "through at least Saturday" despite the advisory only being in effect until Friday night. Earlier in the week, less severe weather conditions were expected in Orange County and areas further south in SoCal, but forecasters later said the excessive heat warning would be extended to into that part of the region.

Among the hottest weather expected across Southern California is in Woodland Hills, where forecasters say peak temperatures could reach up to 113 degrees Thursday and 111 degrees on Friday, according to NWS.

In the city of LA, highs were in the low 90s on Monday. But on Thursday, they are forecasted to reach 97 degrees.

The hot weather, along with breezy winds and dry conditions, are also expected to increase the risk of potential wildfires. 

As the week drew closer to when the heat is expected to peak, forecasters on Tuesday warned that the greater LA area has seen major wildfires when there have been similar weather conditions in the past. According to NWS, the western part of Southern California can expect to see "critical fire weather conditions" such as strong, dry gusts through Friday.

"With the peak of the heat wave coming, there is also a high fire danger," the National Weather Service said. "We have a history of large fires with similar weather conditions. Use extreme caution with anything that can cause a fire. If you live in a high fire risk area, review your plans on if you have to evacuate."

The coast of Southern California will see cooler conditions, as usual, while areas just a little further from the coast as well mountain areas and the Valleys will see some triple-digit temperatures. Forecasters have warned of potential weather-related risks.

"The homeless, elderly, children, and those with health issues are at the highest risk for heat illness," NWS warned. "Daytime highs between 95 to 105 will become common away from the coast."

"Warm overnight low temperatures will bring little relief from the heat," NWS states.

Some other individuals at especially high risk are pregnant women, newborn babies, and those with chronic illnesses, according to the National Weather Service, which advises drinking plenty of water and using air conditioning when possible.

However, NWS has also said temperatures may not reach as high as some projections. For instance, Woodland Hills could end up seeing a high of 107 degrees on Thursday and 106 on Friday rather than temperatures exceeding 110 degrees.

Orange County — including inland areas such as Garden Grove, Anaheim and Irvine — as well as much of San Bernardino County are expected to see "dangerously hot conditions" with temperatures in the upper 90s to 105.

Some areas of Riverside County are expected to see similar weather, with Thursday forecasted to be the hottest day of the week.

Overall, high temperatures are across an area of SoCal stretching from Orange County down to San Diego County are forecasted to be about 10 to 15 degrees above average this week.