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Heat Wave Blankets Southland For A Week

CANOGA PARK (CBSLA.com) — High temperatures were expected again Wednesday as a heat wave blankets the Southland for the seventh straight day, though the heat might back off just a bit.

An excessive heat warning was issued by the National Weather Service until 7 p.m. Tuesday in the San Gabriel, San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys and the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area in Los Angeles County and parts of Ventura County.

"The combination of heat and humidity will create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible, especially for the elderly and youth," an NWS statement said. "Never, ever leave people or pets in enclosed vehicles, even for a short period of time with the windows cracked open."

The Los Angeles Unified School District canceled all outdoor activities Tuesday, including games and sports practices, as result of the heat.

Students were kept indoors during the lunch hour.

"Our primary goal is to make sure all the kids stay safe and hydrated," LAUSD principal Kelly Hanock said.

On Monday, the heat prompted Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers to set a record for peak energy demand at 6,196 megawatts, the department announced.

The previous record was set in September 2010.

The LADWP asks that customers conserve energy with the following tips:

- adjust thermostats to 78 degrees between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- visit air conditioned places
- limit use of major appliances

A red-flag warning was also issued by the NWS for "explosive fire growth" in the mountains and foothills of LA, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

"If fire ignition occurs, there could be rapid spread of wildfire that would lead to a threat of life and property," the NWS said.

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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