Temperatures soar as Southern California’s heat wave intensifies

High temperatures are expected to continue Sunday as Southern California’s heat wave intensifies, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say the weather system that has been building over Southern California is strengthening and will cause temperatures to keep climbing higher.

Temperatures are predicted to be in the low to mid-80s at the beaches and in the 90s to 100s inland. Cooling centers have opened up throughout the Southland for those needing refuge from the heat

But Monday, the first day of summer, is expected to be the hottest. The National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings in L.A., the valleys and deserts for that day.

The weather agency is predicting temperatures will reach 100 degrees in Los Angeles. Palm Springs may see temperatures reaching 121 degrees.

The extreme heat is being produced by an upper-level high pressure system that is expected to peak Monday and gradually weaken next week.

The dry and hot conditions have led the weather agency to issue red flag warnings for the mountains because of so-called sundowner winds in the southern part of Santa Barbara County.

The hot weather has become a second enemy for firefighters in Santa Barbara County as they continue to battle the Sherpa fire, which has burned more than 7,800 acres.

Smoke from the fire is contributing to hazy conditions as far south as Los Angeles and Orange counties, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Forecasters say relief is coming, but until then, stay cool.

For more Southern California news, follow @latvives

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