It's an October to remember as SoCal continues to bake. Here's what we know

Key Points:

• Southern California is experiencing an unusually prolonged and intense heat wave in October, driven by a persistent high-pressure ridge, warm ocean temperatures linked to El Niño, and reduced sea breezes.
• Temperatures are soaring 15 to 22 degrees above normal, with highs in the 90s to low 100s and minimal overnight cooling, prompting extreme heat warnings and health advisories, especially for vulnerable populations.
• Multiple daily heat records have been shattered across the region, including downtown Los Angeles' longest streak of 100-degree days in October since records began, with several cities breaking decades-old temperature records.
• While October can be warm due to the typical retreat of the marine layer, climate experts emphasize that this sustained and extreme heat is highly unusual and likely to be one of the warmest Octobers on record in Southern California.
• The heat wave is expected to ease slightly by the weekend with cooler temperatures and possible light showers, but overall elevated temperatures are forecasted to persist through much of October.