Heat Wave Snaps 131-Year-Old Los Angeles Temperature Record

The former record was set in 1886.

A high temperature record that stood for 131 years in Los Angeles has been shattered by a blistering heat wave.

The National Weather Service reports that the temperature downtown hit 98 degrees Saturday.

The service reported that record temperature of 95 degrees for the date set in 1886 had been snapped around noon by a single degree. It updated its report later as the mercury climbed higher.

An excessive heat wave sent Southern Californians flocking to beaches and in search of water, shade and air conditioning to escape the heat.

Forecasters warned that temps up to 110 degrees would be common in inland areas and could be deadly for the elderly, children and outdoor workers. Air pollution also hit unhealthy levels.