California roasts in summerlike spring heat wave

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California is baking in a summerlike heat wave as a strong ridge of high pressure continues to build across the West. Record high temperatures were recorded Thursday in many areas, with gusty Santa Ana winds thrown into the mix in Southern California. The National Weather Service says temperatures topped 80 degrees before 9 a.m. at some locations. The heat is predicted to persist through Friday before dramatic cooling during the weekend brings a chance of precipitation early next week, including mountain snow showers. The Sacramento weather office says the outlook for mid-April and beyond favors a continued warmer-than-normal temperature pattern.