Hot temperatures, humidity to persist across Southland

A days-long heat wave across Southern California may have technically peaked Saturday, but forecasters said hot temperatures will persist through the week as a long-anticipated cooling trend occurs more slowly than originally forecast.

Temperatures Sunday were almost identical to those seen across the region in recent days, according to meteorologist David Sweet with the National Weather Service. Anticipated highs in the valley areas ranged between 98 and 107 degrees as downtown Los Angeles was expected to see temperatures in the mid-90s.

Humidity levels have increased slightly, Sweet said, bringing the possibility of scattered showers and thunderstorms to the mountains in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, along with the Antelope Valley.

Temperatures were expected to gradually dip in the coming week, but only by a "couple of degrees any given day," Sweet said.

"The cooling trend ... is going to be slower to occur," he said. "It's not going to be very impressive for a few days."

Although no heat warnings were in effect late Sunday morning, Sweet said certain areas in the valleys could be eligible during the afternoon. He urged residents to stay hydrated and stay inside when possible.

Five people were examined for heat-related illness at an outdoor concert and fashion show Saturday at the Grove shopping center, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported. Paramedics checked their blood pressure and vital signs, but the three girls and two women declined further medical treatment, said Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey.

"Everyone was complaining of the heat," he said.

Several brush fires have also broken out across the region as a result of the weather.

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-- Kate Mather

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Photo: Hot weather drove thousands to the beaches in recent days, including a packed Manhattan Beach on Thursday.  Credit: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

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