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At 121 degrees, Los Angeles County hit its 

 ever recorded this weekend, as the state swelters in a heat wave that has helped intensify the most devastating wildfire season California has experienced in years.

The record temperature was measured in Woodland Hills, northwest of downtown Los Angeles. 

The "kiln-like" heat was exacerbated by a high-pressure system and a weak sea breeze, according to the National Weather Service. 

 The New York Times that these factors "allowed basically the entire region to roast." Several other locations in the state also faced 

California avoids major power outages

The heat contributed to the death of a 41-year-old hiker, who died Saturday from a heat-related seizure after hiking at Tapia Park in Malibu Creek State Park for several hours, L.A. County Sheriff's officials 

 CNN. After her death, officials decided to close all hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains through Labor Day.

"Do not hike this holiday weekend, especially with dogs," Malibu Search and Rescue 

California firefighters are currently battling 

 of active blazes that have so far consumed more than 1.8 million acres, damaged over 3,800 structures, and killed seven people. Many of the fires were caused by lightning strikes, but the El Dorado Fire in San Bernardino County was caused by "a smoke generating pyrotechnic device used during a gender reveal party," the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection 

That fire, which began Saturday morning, spread north and quickly consumed more than 7,000 acres. More than 500 people, 60 fire engines and six helicopters were fighting the blaze, which was only 

2020 has now seen the most acres burned in California than any other year during the modern era, according to 

But some small relief could be coming. Weakening high pressure and a stronger sea breeze will lead to "some decent cooling across the coast today," NWS Los Angeles 

 Monday. "A little less cooling inland but it won't be nearly as oppressive as yesterday! Just one more day of heat before we get a break! We got this!"  

Disasters

Matthew S. Schwartz

Author

One part of Los Angeles County hit 121 degrees this weekend, a county all-time record. Firefighters are battling many blazes, one of which was sparked by a pyrotechnic device at a gender reveal party.

Record heat wave creates 'kiln-like' conditions in California

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