Heat forecast will heighten Southland's fire risk

Lund said much of Los Angeles could remain in the 70s overnight Thursday, which is particularly concerning for sensitive populations — such as elderly people, those who are pregnant or laborers working outdoors — who can be more vulnerable to heat illness without time to recover at night.

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An extreme heat watch has been issued for Wednesday through Saturday across the region, with highs of up to 106 possible across the Los Angeles County valleys, the Ventura County valleys, the San Luis Obispo County valleys and mountains, the Santa Barbara County mountains and San Bernardino County deserts. The Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego County mountains could see highs of up to 99 degrees Thursday and Friday, while the Inland Empire is forecast to reach 104 degrees.

In and around Death Valley officials warn that “above normal daytime temperatures combined with minimal overnight relief from the heat” could increase the threat for heat-related illness.