Southern California is preparing for a scorching heat wave as temperatures are set to soar into triple digits across the region in the coming days. The heat wave, fueled by weak offshore winds and a heat dome over the southwestern United States, is expected to intensify throughout the week and reach its peak on Thursday and Friday.

Meteorologist Ryan Kittell from the National Weather Service's Oxnard office warned, "We are in what's already the hottest time of the year climatically, and we are going to be 10 to 15 degrees above normal, in almost every area from the beach to the deserts." This means that parts of the Los Angeles Basin could see temperatures reaching a scorching 113 degrees by the weekend, while the Coachella Valley may experience a staggering 119 degrees.

Labor Day provided a preview of the heat to come, with temperatures already reaching sweltering levels in many communities. The San Gabriel Valley was forecasted to hit 100 degrees, while the western San Fernando Valley braced for temperatures as high as 103. Coastal neighborhoods in Los Angeles were anticipated to experience comparatively milder conditions, with temperatures in the 80s and low 90s.

Woodland Hills, known for its hot climate, is expected to endure searing temperatures in the days ahead, with Tuesday reaching up to 109 degrees, followed by 110 degrees on Wednesday, 113 degrees on Thursday, and a slight dip to 111 degrees on Friday. Sunday saw one of the hottest days on record, underscoring the intensity of the heat wave.

In Santa Clarita, temperatures are forecasted to rise from an uncomfortable 95 degrees on Monday to a scorching 106 degrees by Thursday. Meanwhile, Palm Springs experienced Labor Day temperatures ranging from 107 to 111 degrees, which are expected to climb even higher, reaching a blistering 114 to 118 degrees by Thursday.

The heat wave is not limited to Southern California, as a large portion of the country, including Nevada and Arizona, grapples with dangerously hot conditions. Kittell emphasized that residents living close to the beach and lacking air conditioning may not be adequately prepared for the intense heat, advising them to make plans now to stay cool.

While temperatures are expected to slightly decrease over the weekend, it remains unclear when the heat wave will fully subside. However, experts do not anticipate it to break any records, as the record high for the first week of September was set in 2020 when Woodland Hills baked in temperatures reaching 121 degrees.

Southern California residents are urged to take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and seeking out air-conditioned spaces to stay cool during this challenging period of intense heat.

Please note: The information provided in this article is based on the available data from the provided context.