California heat: What to expect this weekend; when will the heat wave end

A searing heat wave will continue through much of next week and could bring more days of triple-digit temperatures and dangerous fire conditions, authorities said Saturday.

The forecast calls for the above-normal temperatures to stick around through late next week, said Joe Sirard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

A little relief could be on the way Sunday and Monday as temperatures dip 4 to 8 degrees. But highs could still reach the 90s in the valleys and top triple digits in the mountains, Sirard said.

"It is still going to be hot," he said. "It could be dangerously hot."

How hot will it get this weekend?

On Saturday, local inland valley areas could see temperatures in the mid- to high 90s. Those spots include Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Fillmore and Santa Paula. Simi Valley could reach triple digits and Ojai could top 102.

But the lower elevation mountains likely will get the hottest. Temperatures could hit 105 to 110 degrees in those areas, Sirard said. Even at higher elevations, highs could reach the mid-90s.

"If anybody is out there camping or hiking in our local mountains, it is going to be very hot," he said.

Meanwhile, expect close to normal temperatures with highs in the 70s at local beaches. Areas slightly farther inland, including Camarillo, could see highs in the mid-80s.

When will the heat wave end?

The high pressure system is going to stay over the region through most of next week, according to the National Weather Service. After some slight cooling through Monday, temperatures will climb again, Sirard said.

Expect a lot of 90s to low triple digits in the valleys and up to 105 degrees in the lower mountain elevations, he said.

"It's going to stay very hot away from the beaches and the coastal areas," he said.

Will dangerous fire conditions continue?

A string of fires broke out locally and in neighboring counties over the past several days. A blaze burning in the Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara County reached close to 5,000 acres in a matter of hours Friday night.

With hot, dry conditions to continue, the increased risk of fires also will stick around. A fire could start easily in these kind of conditions, Sirard said. The weather service urged the public to avoid any activity that could cause sparks.

"We could still get some pretty nasty fire behavior," he said.

Cheri Carlson covers the environment and county government for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at cheri.carlson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0260.