Pakistan, Oct. 1 -- Southern California heatwave is expected to begin Friday, October 2, and continue through much of next week. The National Weather Service has forecast extreme heat across the region through October 8. Forecasters also warned that the hot conditions could continue into the second week of October.

Temperatures in October can rise across Southern California, but the expected duration stands out. National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford called the heatwave "exceptional" for any time of the year. He said the unusual spell could potentially continue for up to two weeks.

Meanwhile, a high-pressure system is expected to strengthen over the next few days and settle across the region by the weekend. The system will ...