A severe heat wave in California and parts of the southwestern United States intensified Thursday as meteorologists warned of dangerous temperatures.
A heat warning has been extended through the weekend. Experts warn of an increased risk of wildfires as temperatures soar and humidity drops.
“All systems indicate that a dangerously hot period of weather will continue throughout the weekend and into next week in some areas,” the National Weather Service (NWS) said.
“Do not go hiking or engage in other physical activity except very early in the day, and even then be extremely cautious and drink plenty of fluids.”
Temperatures rose in and around Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States.
Meteorologists said sweltering temperatures of 48 degrees Celsius (118 Fahrenheit) were possible in the hottest parts of the city, while temperatures of 110 degrees Celsius were not uncommon across the city on Friday.
Nighttime temperatures are not expected to bring much relief, falling only to around 30 degrees Celsius, meteorologists said.
The NWS also issued a Red Flag Warning for rural areas around Los Angeles, including the Santa Monica Mountains, where heat and low humidity combine to increase the risk of wildfires.
Although they did not expect the flame-fanning winds that often occur in September, “there have been large fires in the past at this time of year in similar weather conditions.”
High temperatures are not uncommon in the southwestern United States, which is mostly desert, at this time of year.
But scientists say man-made global warming is tightening norms and leading to more unstable weather patterns.
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