LOS ANGELES – Although the official start of fall is still a few weeks away, September is already starting out scorching hot in Southern California, with a massive heat wave set to continue for the next few days.

The heat wave is expected to peak from Wednesday through Friday, with highs expected to reach over 27 degrees Celsius along the coast, over 32 degrees Celsius in several inland towns, and even well into the teens in the valleys, hills and Inland Empire.

In preparation for the heat wave, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat warning for most of the Southland.

During the heat wave, the NWS reminds people that the homeless, the elderly and children are at greatest risk for heat illness.

Weather alerts

Warning of excessive heat

An extreme heat warning goes into effect at 11 a.m. Wednesday through 9 p.m. Friday in the Inland Empire with triple-digit temperatures returning. Residents are asked to stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay hydrated and limit their time outdoors.

The same warning also applies to many Southern California communities in Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange counties, including Beverly Hills, Lancaster, Pyramid Lake, Valencia, Los Angeles, Compton, Culver City, East LA, Glendale, Hollywood, Simi Valley, Okai, Pomona, Pasadena and areas along Angeles Crest Highway.

This also applies to inland Orange County, including Anaheim, Santa Ana, Mission Viejo, Fullerton, Orange, Irvine, and Garden Grove.

How long will the heat wave last?

The heat wave is expected to continue in the coming days.