SoCal heat wave drives temperatures up to triple digits in some areas

LAKE BALBOA, Calif. (KABC) -- The first major heat wave of the summer has arrived in the Southland, with temperatures skyrocketing to triple digits in some areas.

With increased heat comes poor air quality conditions. Officials are urging high-risk groups, such as those with asthma and the elderly, to reduce their time outdoors.

MORE: Southern California weather forecast

The scorcher is expected to reach its peak Friday and Saturday, with temperatures in the upper 80s in Los Angeles and Orange counties, upper 90s in the valleys and Inland Empire and 100s in the deserts.

Eyewitness News caught up with a group of friends out exercising early and hoping to beat the heat in Lake Balboa, but feeling like the heat beat them.

Lawmakers are in the midst of establishing protections for those who work outdoors, including mail carriers. One lawmaker has proposed that every postal vehicle have air condition.

It's something workers say is needed.

"It's just like brutal, it's baking me all day," mail carrier Lauryn Carter said. "The old (mail carrier truck) is just like a little fan, and that, I don't like driving those. They get hot, like over, probably like 115 (degrees)."

A slight cool down is expected late next week.