According to the National Weather Service, the Woodlands Hill area set a record Sunday afternoon, "with the highest official temperature ever recorded in Los Angeles County." The previous record was 48,3 degrees Celsius, set in 2006.
The National Weather Service said temperatures would start to drop from today, although they would still be above normal for the whole week. The overheating even caused power outages while heating centers opened for the residents of Southern California. And all this at a time when fires have broken out in the area have burned more than 8.000 square kilometers.
Sunday's high temperatures were expected to be between 43,3 and 46 degrees Celsius and in some areas - including Palm Springs - could reach 48,8 degrees, according to the National Weather Service, which added that the risk of fire would remain elevated during the week.
"Wow! This heat is unbelievable! I mean, you're burning, "Robert Newman, a resident of the area, told CBS. "I burned a lot of calories today, that's for sure and definitely milder probably more water than all week." Patricia Windsor, another resident who was born and raised in Burbank, said she had never experienced such heat before.
Many people, however, seeking relief, rushed to the lakes and rivers. Lake Balboa in Enchino was full of families seeking refuge under the trees while others hoped to cool off a bit with a boat ride on the lake.
