Heat records set in San Fernando, Antelope valleys at start of prolonged heat wave

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- As a brutal, extended heat wave bears down on Southern California this week, temperature records were already being set Wednesday - and the hottest days are still ahead.

Several weather stations in the San Fernando and Antelope valleys marked new records for the date, according to the National Weather Service.

Woodland Hills on Wednesday set a record for the date at 112 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The previous record was 111, set in 1998.

Burbank hit 112, passing the previous record of 108 for the date that was set in 2017. That was also a record high for the entire month of August in Burbank. The previous record was 111 set on Aug. 26, 1944. The hottest temperature Burbank has ever recorded was 114, in September 2020 and July 2018.

Lancaster hit 109, tying the record set in 1948.

The small community of Sandberg, located in the mountains of northwest Los Angeles County, recorded a temperature of 100, breaking the previous record of 98 set in 2017.

Temperatures well above 100 degrees are expected throughout the Southland this week, and many desert and valley communities may exceed 110. Palm Springs was hitting 113 by early Wednesday afternoon.

The hottest day of the current heat wave is expected to be Sunday, when temperatures in parts of the Inland Empire are likely to hit 115, potentially topping the record of 114 for the date.

Experts are reminding Southern Californians to take precautions in the heat. Check on elderly neighbors and family members, keep kids and pets indoors and be sure to stay hydrated.

"If you see anybody with any signs, even a little nausea or your friend complains they have a headache, if you know you have an older neighbor next door go check in on them," said Dr. Diana Lev with Northridge Hospital Medical Center. "You should always, always call either an ambulance or bring them to the hospital if they're already having symptoms of heat stroke."

While outside temperatures ranged between 87 and 93 degrees during those hours, our large thermometer we left inside the car topped out beyond 140 degrees in less than an hour.

Latest forecast and temperatures from ABC7 here.