Southland remains set on 'broil'

Heat advisories set to expire Saturday are extended through Sunday as more temperature records are likely to be broken

- BY GRACE TOOHEY

A COUPLE relax on the sand in the shade of palm trees in Long Beach to get a respite from the heat wave.

The oppressive heat wave broiling California and much of the West will continue to bring dangerously hot temperatures — and probably more record-breakers - for even longer than forecasters first predicted.

The heat advisories in effect across Southern California, including the extreme heat warning, are being extended through Sunday, said National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Kittell. Most were set to expire Saturday.

Friday was still expected to bring peak temperatures, similar to conditions seen Thursday, "but the downward trend is very slow over the weekend," Kittell said.

"It's still going to be very warm — well above normal - though the weekend. The evenings are going to be very warm as well."

Many areas Thursday night into early Friday experienced little cooling, with temperatures across the L.A. Basin remaining near or above 70 degrees. Experts warn that lack of nighttime relief can be the most dangerous situation, as it doesn't give the body a chance to recover from daytime highs - and can help fuel a wildfire, if one ignites.

"Extreme heat is dangerous even at night when temperatures don't cool down," the weather service's Weather Prediction Center wrote in a heat wave update.

"Without A/C or cooling, the body can't recover, increasing the risk of heat illness."

The city of Los Angeles has opened up additional cooling centers during the heat wave and the county has extended many of its hours for the air-conditioned sanctuaries.