LA Shatters 131-Year-Old Heat Record

LOS ANGELES, CA — Record-breaking heat continued to roast the Southland Saturday, bringing with it potentially life-threatening conditions.

Downtown Los Angeles set a record for this date with a high of 96 degrees, breaking the old record of 95 degrees set in 1886, according to the National Weather Service.

Other highs Saturday included 111 in Woodland Hills, 110 in Lancaster and 100 in Pasadena.

An excessive heat warning was in effect until 11 p.m. for the Los Angeles County Mountains, Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, Antelope Valley and the Los Angeles coastal area, including downtown Los Angeles.

The NWS attributed the heat wave to a "strong upper-level high-pressure system centered over the desert southwest."

Temperatures are expected to drop about 5 degrees Sunday and gradually decrease over the following few days, according to the NWS.

NWS forecasters again warned area residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from the sweltering heat. People who work outdoors should confine strenuous activities to the early morning or evening hours, wear lightweight clothing, take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water.

Residents should also check on friends and neighbors and must never leave children, seniors or pets in parked vehicles in hot weather.

"Temperatures inside vehicles, even if the windows are partially open can quickly rise to life-threatening levels," the statement warned.

The region's air quality is taking a beating from the heat too, with officials predicting that Saturday's unhealthful air in many parts of the Southland will continue on Sunday.

--City News Service/Image via LA Co. FD