As a heat wave hits Southern California, officials are urging residents to conserve energy and stay prepared for potential power shutoffs that could last longer this summer. Southern California Edison says high heat is not the only factor it monitors.

The report, released this week, found that 58% of fast-food workers surveyed in July said they had worked in excessive heat conditions in the last year. And nearly half, or 48%, reported experiencing heat illness symptoms including headaches, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, muscle pain or nausea.

Temperatures will hit the triple digits in parts of the Southland starting Wednesday, Aug. 20, with the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angleses in the San Fernando Valley hitting 109 F on Thursday, Aug. 21. – according to a National Weather Service forecast.

Both Vejar and Dean recommend planting trees such as California sycamore, coast live oak and peppermint willow, which provide dense canopies and require less water and are a good fit for the Los Angeles climate.

Extreme heat and fire weather advisories have been issued across Southern California's interior, with highs expected to peak Thursday and Friday.