Heat Wave To Hit SoCal With Triple-Digit Temps Possible

LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — Southern Californians are being warned to prepare for a heat wave that could bring an array of health complications over the Fourth of July weekend.

High pressure has been slowly nudging into the four corner states (Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico) and that is translating into very hot temperatures for our inland valleys.

Angelenos can expect highs to surpass the century mark for the next five or six days. High desert temperatures will reach past 107 degrees. Downtown Los Angeles won't be too bad with highs in the upper 80s to near 90, but the beach will be the place to be with highs in the upper 70s.

Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, the county director of public health and health officer, said everyone should take precautions against prolonged sun exposure that can cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

"Never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in closed vehicles, even with the windows `cracked,' because temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels," Fielding added in a statement.

Relief should come with cooler temperatures late next week.

For more tips on how to survive the heat and a list of cooling centers, visit the LA County Department of Public Health online.

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