Extreme heat, wildfires sweep the Southwest

(The Center Square) – Extreme heat and wildfires have defined this summer in the Southwest.

Meteorologists are warning residents to be aware of air quality alerts and high temperatures. They advise checking for regular updates.

“The heat will certainly help to continue to dry out the fuels,” National Weather Service meteorologist Casey Oswant in San Diego told The Center Square Monday. “The fuel moisture across the area is decreasing, and so that makes them more susceptible to catching on fire.”

Heat warnings are in effect across Southern California, with the weather service putting out an Extreme Heat Watch for the Central Coast and Los Angeles area from Tuesday morning through Thursday afternoon. Temperatures were expected to peak Wednesday, with highs up to 110 in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley.

Simi Valley in neighboring Ventura County was expected to see highs of 94 on Tuesday and 100 on Wednesday. And in the A...