A wave of dry heat sweeping over the region will push temperatures to the triple digits before the official start of fall next week.
Temperatures Friday in the Southland hit 100 degrees or higher everywhere but at the coast, according to the National Weather Service.
Even hotter, near-record temperatures are predicted for Saturday for the coast and 5 freeway corridor.
Inland Orange County could reach 106 degrees on Saturday, the weather service predicts.
Even a few miles from the coastline, temperatures are expected to peak in the 98 to 103 degree range.
At the beaches, expect temperatures to hover in the 80s and 90s.
To stay safe in the heat, drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and never leave pets, children or the elderly in a vehicle. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day.
Some relief should arrive Sunday when temperatures are expected to drop about 10 degrees throughout the county.
Weekend Temperatures
Inland cities in Orange County will bear the brunt of the heat.
In Lake Forest and Mission Viejo, the highs for Saturday are about 104 degrees.
In Rancho Santa Margarita, the high for Saturday is about 102 degrees.
In Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano and Fountain Valley, the highs for Saturday are in the high 90s.
In the beach cities of San Clemente, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, the highs for Saturday are in the high 80s to low 90s.
What are your plans for this weekend? How do you plan to stay cool? Tell us in the comments.
