L.A. heat wave to get worse on Thursday and Friday, officials say

Southern California's blistering heat wave is expected to peak Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

In a heat adivisory issued Wednesday afternoon, the NWS said Friday will probably be the hottest day, with temperatures exceeding 105 degrees in some valley locations and above 110 degrees in some spots.

“It may be hotter later in the week, but you’re not really going to be able to tell,” National Weather Service meterologist Rich Thompson said.

It’ll be plenty hot Wednesday, with highs of 109 expected in Woodland Hills and Santa Clarita, about 100 in Burbank and Pasadena and 91 in downtown Los Angeles. Lancaster tied its record for the day Tuesday of 107.

The ridge of high pressure causing the heat is centered over Utah. It is expected to combine with monsoonal moisture in the next few days, which could spark thunderstorms in mountain and valley areas, forecasters said.

Thompson urged people to observe the usual precautions, drinking plenty of fluids, staying out of the sun as much as possible and checking on elderly neighbors and family members.

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Photo: Teena Bee walks with an umbrella to protect herself from the 106-degree heat while walking on I Avenue in Lancaster on Wednesday. Credit: Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times