Southwest heat wave threatens California with triple-digit heat and fires.

After a damp winter and dreary spring, California's summer began Thursday with a heat wave.

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Desert areas were expected to reach 120 degrees (48.8 C) at midday. 80s (26.6 C) overnight are possible.

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Interior LA, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and SLO counties had a heat watch until Sunday. The LA weather service advised hikers to plan ahead.

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Take pauses, work outside early, and hydrate! Employers were advised to give outdoor workers water, shade, and cooling breaks.

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Jeff Killip of the Division of Occupational Safety & Health said the state will spot check workplaces for compliance.

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On Wednesday, the National Weather Service reported 111 million Americans under extreme heat advisories, watches, and warnings, mostly in the Southwest.

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Elderly, homeless, and others are at risk from the long-term heat wave, forecasters said. Heat may persist until next week as a Texas high pressure dome creeps west.

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