SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — The mercury began climbing in the Southland today — and it’s going to climb even higher tomorrow and Saturday.

A heat wave bearing down on the region showed its first signs Thursday, delivering a 100-degree afternoon reading in Acton, along with 97 in Woodland Hills, 96 in Chatsworth and Saugus, 94 in Van Nuys and 91 in Pasadena.

There’s more to come Friday and Saturday, with excessive heat warnings and heat advisories kicking in Friday morning and stretching through Saturday night.

“Given the current trends it looks like everything is on track for an even hotter day Friday across inland areas,” according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS predicted temps as high as 107 in the Antelope Valley — where an excessive heat warning will be in place from 10 a.m. Friday through 10 p.m. Saturday.

Heat advisories were also set to begin at 10 a.m. Friday and stretch through 8 p.m. Saturday in the Santa Monica Mountains and San Fernando, San Gabriel and Santa Clarita valleys.

Temps could hit 98 in the interior portions of Santa Monica Mountains, and could range between 95 and 102 in the valleys.

A heat advisory will also be in place for the Los Angeles County Mountains from 10 a.m. Friday to 10 p.m. Saturday, with temperatures up to 100 expected, mainly at lower elevations.

While it will be hot, it won’t be record-breaking hot.

“LA valley records are at least 105 and likely out of reach for this event as models only showing an 18% chance of highs over 105 in Woodland Hills,” according to the weather service.

Another hot day is expected Saturday, though the forecast calls for slightly cooler temps as onshore flow increases.

Sunday, a deepening marine layer promises to mitigate the heat a bit more, with highs still above normal but only by about 5 degrees or so, according to the NWS. Monday, temperatures are expected to be closer to normal.

As usual during heat waves, forecasters urged people to drink plenty of fluids, seek out air conditioned spaces and check in on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.

“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” according to the NWS.

Source: — City News Service