California girds for punishing heatwave

The mercury was forecast to top out at a scorching 113 Fahrenheit (45 Celsius) in parts of Los Angeles later in the week, marking the high point of an already hot summer. Meteorologists say a ridge of high pressure could push temperatures 20 degrees higher than usual for this time of year in some places, with dangerous conditions expected for several days. The National Weather Service said an excessive heat warning would be in place from lunchtime on Wednesday until after sunset on Friday. The Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles...