A mural outside a smoke shop on Hollywood Boulevard catches the eye of passersby as Southern California braces for an intense heat wave. This weather pattern will persist through the next week, elevating temperatures significantly.

The National Weather Service warns of temperatures soaring 15 to 20 degrees above the norm across the region. The heat wave will coincide with the Dodgers hosting Atlanta at the NLDS Game 1, anticipated to be as scorching as 95 degrees.

Southern California will endure consecutive days of severe heat, supported by a high-pressure system setting in over the eastern Pacific and West Coast. This will escalate from Friday, possibly peaking on Sunday.

The heat advisory spans from 10 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Thursday, with potential extensions. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, seek shade or air-conditioned environments, and monitor their loved ones’ well-being.

Forecasts predict downtown Los Angeles temperatures might reach between 99 to 103 degrees. Neighboring valleys may encounter highs of 102 to 107 degrees, while coastlines from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles could see 90 to 98 degrees over the weekend.

Daily temperature records might be broken from Wednesday to Friday. However, potential relief might arrive by next weekend with anticipated tropical moisture.

In addition, Hurricane Rachel is expected to cause elevated surf on Tuesday through Thursday, according to the weather service. This summer’s high surf has already led to significant erosion on several popular beaches.

The Los Angeles Times continues to provide essential updates on this evolving weather situation.