Temperatures are expected to reach triple digits in parts of the Inland Empire on Wednesday, parts of L.A. and Orange counties by Thursday

Starting Wednesday, temperatures are expected to be in the high 90s and low 100s in inland areas. Officials say now is the time to prepare.

A heat wave is supposed to hit Southern California this week, coupled with gusty winds. LA officials say they're prepared for the increased fire risk. The greatest risk areas are in the San Fernando Valley.

Forecasters are expecting a prolonged and potentially dangerous heat wave over the next few days, raising health concerns. Here's how Southern Californians can stay cool.

“This is a more impactful, more significant heat wave than really what we’ve seen for the majority of the summer. We’ve had kind of more of a cooler pattern, a lot of marine layer clouds. And so this might catch some people by surprise … but [it] definitely looks pretty warm,” said Lisa Phillips, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

The hottest weather is forecast for Furnace Creek in California's Death Valley National Park, where a temperature of 120 degrees is expected Friday.

Temperatures across interior Southern California will climb dramatically over the next few days, as a prolonged, dangerous heat wave begins Wednesday and could persist into next week.