Dangerous Southern California heat wave to last through Tuesday

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The thermostat climbed well over the 100-degree mark across much of the Southland Sunday as a heat wave continued to intensify.

Cooling centers were open across Southern California for people without air conditioning. In Los Angeles, people were directed to call 311, while people in many other areas were told to call 211.

Residents didn't let the scorching temperatures prevent them from enjoying their weekend. The Hansen Dam Aquatic Center in Lakeview Terrace was booming, with people from all over lining up to cool off in a gigantic pool. Others found a shady spot to relax at Griffith Park.

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Red-flag warnings were extended due to the heat and dry air through 6 a.m. Monday for the mountains and foothills of Los Angeles, where fires were possible if dry brush or trees ignite, the NWS said.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for west central Riverside County at 3:30 p.m. Sunday after thunderstorms capable of producing 60 mph wind gusts were spotted near the Hemet area. The warning expired around 4:45 p.m.

Heavy smoke from the Silverado Fire was seen in eastern Los Angeles County. Smog experts warned people with medical conditions to stay indoors in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and San Gabriel valleys, as well as the Inland Empire. Firefighters have been working on the fire amidst temperatures around 100 degrees and very dry air.

The excessively hot conditions were expected to last through at least Tuesday.

"A strong ridge of high pressure aloft will maintain very hot weather and near-record temperatures through Tuesday over much of the area," the NWS stated.

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Power outages:

The heat wave is not putting a strain on the power grid. State regulators say they have more than enough power to go around without interruptions.

Still, several neighborhoods were dealing with power outages Sunday.

About 563 people were without power in Arcadia Sunday due to the extreme heat. Power was expected to be restored by 1:30 a.m. Monday, Southern California Edison said.

Seventy-one people were also without power in Duarte Sunday night due to the weather condition. Power was expected to be restored by 4:40 p.m. Monday.

About 1100 people lost power in the Fairfax District, according to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The outage was centered around Detroit and Clinton streets. Power was restored around 6 p.m.

A power outage was affecting 793 people in Corona along the Estates Court area, and 636 customers in Toluca Lake spent part of Sunday afternoon in the dark.

Tips to conserve energy include:

- Set the thermostat no lower than 78 degrees or above.

- Use fans instead of air conditioning when possible.

- Turn off unused lights, appliances and equipment.

- Operate larger appliances during the early morning or evening hours.

City News Service contributed to this report.