LOS ANGELES - Southern California is in the midst of a significant heat wave, with temperatures soaring into the mid-90s and triple digits in many communities.

Temperatures will hit the triple digits in parts of the Southland starting Wednesday, Aug. 20, with the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angleses in the San Fernando Valley hitting 109 F on Thursday, Aug. 21. – according to a National Weather Service forecast.

Much of Southern California is bracing for a major warm-up as heat returns to the region, threatening dangerous conditions. In preparation for the upcoming weather event, KCAL News has issued a Next Weather Alert to warn communities about the extreme heat and increased fire danger.