Southern California temperature records set amid fire danger

LOS ANGELES — A winter heat wave is setting temperature records as powerful winds bring increased fire danger to Southern California.

Forecasters say the hot, dry air could drop humidity levels into the single digits in parts of greater Los Angeles.

A high of 89 degrees Sunday at Long Beach Airport south of LA broke the previous record of 88 set in 1976. The National Weather Service says temperatures will stay hot through Monday.

Red flag warnings for critical fire weather conditions are in place in mountains and foothills down to San Diego and across the inland counties.

Fire officials have deployed additional resources to be able to respond quickly in case blazes break out. Firefighters made quick work of a small brush fire that briefly threatened homes before dawn in Malibu.