No air conditioner? L.A. County releases ‘beat the heat’ Google map

As the recent heat wave sends temperatures soaring across Los Angeles County today, officials released an electronic map with locations where residents can seek relief.

Los Angeles County’s Google Map database includes locations of cooling centers as well as pools and splash pads, along with contact information, operating hours and one-click driving directions.

The map was released on what was expected to be one of the warmest days of the week, with highs forecast to eclipse 100 degrees in the inland valleys. Woodland Hills, for example, was expected to hit 104 degrees Thursday, National Weather Service specialist Stuart Seto said.

Across Los Angeles County, temperatures were about eight degrees above normal.

County health officials have declared a heat alert through Friday for the Pomona area, where temperatures were in the upper 90s.

They also warned the public to make certain that young children, the elderly and those with respiratory afflictions stay cool and hydrated. Pets should also be kept indoors and not left alone in vehicles.

Some relief should come Sunday, when temperatures are expected to drop five to seven degrees as clouds move into the area. The forecast even calls for a slight chance of thunderstorms in the San Gabriel Mountains, Seto said.