California heat wave building
LOS ANGELES (AP) — An unseasonable spring heat wave is building in California under the influence of a high pressure system that is sending air rushing toward the coast and offshore.
Forecasters warn of record or near-record heat this week in the regions around San Francisco and Monterey bays, while in the south the high temperatures will be compounded by gusty Santa Ana winds and low humidity, ramping up wildfire danger.
Los Angeles and neighboring cities have activated parking restrictions in areas adjacent to brushlands so that fire trucks won't have difficulty getting through if needed.
With the offshore flow pushing back the normal cooling of ocean air, coastal areas may warm into the 90s while valleys hit the 100s.
The heat wave is expected to peak on Wednesday, but last through Thursday.
