Heat is set to blast much of California, topping 100 degrees in some areas

"Temperatures could climb over 100 degrees in the Central Valley for the first time this year. By Monday, Fresno could see temperatures as high as 102 degrees - which would be the earliest in the year the thermometer has hit that mark since records have been kept, according to Brian Ochs, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Hanford. Fresno hasn't seen 102-degree heat this early since 2013, when it hit that mark on May 12."

"Ochs warned of the heat: "People won't be as used to it" at this time of year and so may be more affected by the high temperatures. Forecasters warned of elevated fire danger across Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties; the Kern County desert and the slopes of the Mojave Desert. By Monday, Barstow could hit 102; Borrego Springs, 107; Palm Springs, 108; and Death Valley, 111."

"Meteorologists issued an "extreme heat watch" starting Mother's Day morning through Tuesday evening for Palm Springs and the rest of the Coachella Valley, the deserts of San Diego County and the San Gorgonio Pass. An extreme heat watch was also issued for swaths of Imperial County starting Sunday morning through Monday night. Along the California coast, this month is typically associated with " May gray," persistent gray skies that keep temperatures relatively chilly. But not this year."

"In Los Angeles County, forecasters expect temperatures to climb into the 80s for the Mother's Day weekend in downtown L.A., Pasadena and Simi Valley. On Sunday, the mercury in Southern California could hit 80 in Irvine, 83 in downtown L.A., 85 in Anaheim, 86 in Pasadena, 91 in San"

Sweltering weather is expected to bring triple-digit temperatures across much of California over the next few days, with some areas reaching extreme heat earlier than in past years. The Central Valley could see temperatures above 100 degrees for the first time this year, including Fresno reaching about 102 degrees by Monday, the earliest such reading since records began. Forecasters warn that people may be less accustomed to early-season heat and could be more affected. Elevated fire danger is expected across several counties, including Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Kern County desert areas, and Mojave Desert slopes. An extreme heat watch is in effect from Mother’s Day through Tuesday evening for the Coachella Valley, San Diego deserts, and the San Gorgonio Pass, with additional watch coverage for Imperial County. Coastal areas are not expected to see typical May gray conditions, and temperatures in Southern California are forecast to rise into the 80s and low 90s.

Read at Los Angeles Times