Southern California residents try to beat extreme heat

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Southern California residents tried to stay cool Saturday under excessive heat and red flag warnings by flocking to the beach and indulging in cold treats.

The red flag warning status was issued by the National Weather Service at mid-morning for the rugged terrain north and west of Los Angeles, including Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, through 6 a.m. Sunday.

Excessive heat warnings already in effect across all of Southern California were extended for the mountains and foothills through 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Temperatures are expected to be in the 100s in the Inland Empire, Valleys and High Desert. The Los Angeles-Metro area and Orange County will see upper-90s. The mountains will enjoy cooler temps in the upper-70s.

Visitors were also able to stay cool at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Saturday. "It's Cool at the L.A. Zoo" featured numerous refreshing activities.

Fire trucks and firefighters with demos and fire hose sprays were also on hand, and ice sculpture artists crafted masterpieces out of huge ice blocks. Animals were also treated with their favorite foods in the form of giant popsicles. For additional information, visit www.lazoo.org.

Experts warned people to stay indoors and stay hydrated as temperatures spiked throughout the Southland.

Watch the video above from Eyewitness News.

City News Service contributed to this report.