Southern Calif. on alert during heat wave

LOS ANGELES, June 20 (UPI) -- Another day of scorching temperatures in Southern California Friday prompted Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to put state agencies on alert.

Temperatures pushed into the 90s at midday in most inland areas, including San Diego County and Los Angeles, where afternoon highs on the first official day of summer were expected to soar past the 100-degree mark.

"I have directed my Office of Emergency Services to coordinate with state and local agencies and do everything we can to ensure personal safety for all Californians during high temperatures today through the weekend," Schwarzenegger said in a written statement. "We also need to look out for our friends and family and vulnerable citizens who live by themselves to help protect them from the heat."

The National Weather Service said heat warnings were in place from the Mexican border up to the central coast with no relief in sight until sometime Sunday.

Electricity use was also climbing. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power reported record demand Thursday, although state power officials expected supplies to be adequate statewide heading into the weekend.