Overview

• Conditions ramp up Wednesday and peak Thursday through Saturday, running roughly 10–20 degrees above normal with effects lingering into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
• Excessive heat watches cover large swaths of inland Southern California and extend into southwest Arizona and southern Nevada, while red flag warnings are posted Wednesday through Saturday for parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
• Triple-digit highs are forecast across valleys and deserts, including about 108 in Woodland Hills, 100–105 in the Inland Empire, above 113 in Palm Springs and near 120 in Death Valley, with Las Vegas and Phoenix expected to top 110.
• Forecasters cite low humidity over parched fuels, gusty winds along the Southern California coastal ranges and a lightning threat in the Sierra Nevada as factors that could drive rapid wildfire growth.
• Authorities urge residents to hydrate, seek air-conditioned spaces, adjust outdoor plans, monitor emergency alerts and be ready to evacuate, with cooling centers available across the region.