The National Weather Service reported a high of 96 degrees at Los Angeles International Airport Sunday, 6 degrees above a previous record set in 1947. Record highs of 95 degrees were set on the UCLA campus and in Camarillo, while the high at the Santa Monica Pier was a balmier 86 degrees, shattering the previous daily high for April 13 -- 78 degrees in 1993.

Many area residents tried to beat the heat by heading for the beach. Even at the water's edge, the mercury sometimes topped 90 degrees, with Imperial Beach hitting 95 degrees Saturday, the San Diego Union Tribune reported.

The ocean was still on the frigid side at 60 degrees.

San Diego brought in extra lifeguards because of the unusual crowds for April.

The NWS predicted cooler weather, with temperatures in the 80s Monday and in the 70s later in the week.