Coast Avoids Sizzling Temps

It's been a scorcher today for many Southland cities, as temperatures are expected to result in the hottest day of the year, but Newport Beach is a little cooler than most.

The heat wave, which began Tuesday, will continue to heat up inland areas through early next week. Inland areas of Orange County will see highs in the upper 90s through Sunday. In Newport Beach, expect a high of 73 degrees Thursday and 78 degrees Friday. Lows will be in the low to mid-60s. 

A National Weather Service advisory said there would be an increase in monsoonal pressure between Friday and Sunday, creating an uncomfortable level of humidity. The sizzling temperatures are a result of dominant high pressure over the Southwest combined with weak onshore flow.

"Some stations may have been hotter earlier in the year, but overall, [today] will be the hottest it's been this year,'' said meteorologist Ryan Kittell with the weather service. "Tomorrow may feel just as hot."

If you're going to be outdoors over the next few days, the weather service says, take the following precautions:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Never leave children, the elderly or pets in enclosed automobiles, even for a short period of time. 
• Wear lightweight clothing.