Killer heat wave bakes Southern California
(Adds death toll rising to 11)
LOS ANGELES, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Triple-digit temperatures lingered over part of Southern California for the seventh straight day on Tuesday, and local officials blamed the heat wave for 11 deaths.
Forecasters predict the region will cool down Wednesday, when temperatures in downtown Los Angeles will only reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 Celsius), down from 101 F (38 C) over the weekend.
Temperatures above 110 F (43 C) have been common across Southern California in the past week.
The Los Angeles County Coroner's office said 11 deaths appear to be linked to the heat, pending autopsies.
On Monday, a Los Angeles couple in their 80s were found dead in their home, where temperatures were higher than 110 degrees F (43 C).
Officials also said a 26-year-old man riding his dirt bike on Saturday was separated from his friends and his body discovered an hour later. On Sunday, authorities found the body of a 53-year-old woman who had been living in her car.
Within the past five days, more than a half million customers lost power at some point. By Tuesday evening, about 50,000 were still without power, utilities said.
LOS ANGELES, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Triple-digit temperatures lingered over part of Southern California for the seventh straight day on Tuesday, and local officials blamed the heat wave for 11 deaths.
Forecasters predict the region will cool down Wednesday, when temperatures in downtown Los Angeles will only reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 Celsius), down from 101 F (38 C) over the weekend.
Temperatures above 110 F (43 C) have been common across Southern California in the past week.
The Los Angeles County Coroner's office said 11 deaths appear to be linked to the heat, pending autopsies.
On Monday, a Los Angeles couple in their 80s were found dead in their home, where temperatures were higher than 110 degrees F (43 C).
Officials also said a 26-year-old man riding his dirt bike on Saturday was separated from his friends and his body discovered an hour later. On Sunday, authorities found the body of a 53-year-old woman who had been living in her car.
Within the past five days, more than a half million customers lost power at some point. By Tuesday evening, about 50,000 were still without power, utilities said.
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