WESTMINSTER, Calif. (AP) – Southern California was slammed with the second day of a heat wave Thursday that raised the risk of wildfires and left many schoolchildren to sweat it out in aging classrooms.
Gusty Santa Ana winds swept warm air across the region, according to the National Weather Service. Residents were warned of the risk of heat-related illnesses and urged to stay out of the midday sun.
Several places had record high temperatures for the day. Los Angeles International Airport hit 97, breaking the old record of 95 set in 1999.
A high of 99 at the Long Beach airport and 98 in Camarillo both broke 1965 records.
While many newer schools have air conditioning, those that don’t cranked up fans and rotated teachers through air conditioned portable units to keep students cool. School officials sent messages home urging parents to dress children in loose, lightweight clothing and bring water bottles to stay hydrated.