California hit by severe heatwave, temp to rise to triple digits

Southern California is experiencing a severe heat wave, with temperatures expected to hit triple digits throughout the week. Extreme weather conditions including record-breaking heat waves are the latest sign of climate change in the United States, where wildfires and severe drought have emerged as a growing threat.

California is experiencing a severe heat wave, with temperatures expected to hit triple digits throughout the week. Credit: Reuters Photo

The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an excessive heat watch for much of Southern California, with temperatures continuing to rise a few degrees and stay that way through the Labor Day weekend. Credit: AFP Photo

This week's excessive heat for the region will be the warmest and longest heat wave so far this summer, said David Sweet, a meteorologist for the NWS in Oxnard, California, adding that record temperatures are possible. Credit: Reuters Photo

A large dome of hot air sitting over Central and Southern California is driving the heat wave, Sweet was quoted by The Los Angeles Times as saying. Credit: Reuters Photo

A general view of a drought-stricken Shanta lake, in California, United States. Credit: Reuters Photo

Extreme weather conditions show a drought-stricken Shanta lake in US. Heat waves are the latest sign of climate change in the western United States with with temperatures hitting triple digits. Credit: Reuters Photo

A local stands by an irrigation canal while extreme weather conditions including the record-breaking heat waves in California, US. Credit: Reuters Photo

A dry-up area of the Shanta lake is seen in the US. Credit: Reuters Photo