Southern California should prepare for "dangerously hot" temperatures through Saturday, but elevated heat will persist into early next week.

The system's length and strength will be compounded by some offshore winds, which will help keep any marine influence at bay and keep temperatures high, even overnight.

The peak of the heat wave is expected Thursday and Friday, the National Weather Service said. While it’s brought warmer temperatures than in recent weeks, it is not particularly extreme in terms of all-time Southern California highs. “This is definitely more normal heat for this time of year,” Sam Zuber, an NWS meteorologist said.