Heat warnings are in effect as unseasonably warm temperatures are forecast

LOS ANGELES – Southern California welcomes October with unseasonably warm temperatures this week as another heat wave moves into the region, according to the National Weather Service.

Excessive heat watches and warnings are in effect Monday, with highs rising into the upper 90s in some valley areas and triple digits forecast in the High Desert, the NWS said.

The warming trend is expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures cooling slightly later in the week and into the weekend, but still above normal away from the coast.

In the Antelope Valley, Palmdale will reach 97 degrees on Monday, while temperatures will be cooler in Orange County and will stay around 80 degrees inland most of the week.

Daytime temperatures at the beach generally stay in the 70s, but will reach the 80s in Santa Monica on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Due to above-average temperatures, an increased risk of fire is also forecast from Monday to Wednesday, especially in the mountains and valleys.

“A heat wave combined with very low humidity, gusty northeast-southeast winds and the possibility of large vertical plume growth will result in an extended period of elevated, short-term critical fire conditions in mountains, valleys and foothills through Wednesday,” according to the NWS “The Office in Los Angeles announced on Sunday.

City News Service contributed to this report.