LOS ANGELES (AP) — California is baking in a summerlike heat wave as a strong ridge of high pressure continues to build across the West. Forecasters say record or near-record highs are likely Thursday in many areas, with gusty Santa Ana winds thrown into the mix in Southern California.
The National Weather Service says temperatures topped 80 degrees before 9 a.m. at some locations.
The heat is predicted to persist through Friday before dramatic cooling during the weekend brings a chance of precipitation early next week, including mountain snow showers.
The Sacramento weather office says the outlook for mid-April and beyond favors a continued warmer-than-normal temperature pattern.
