Temperatures across interior Southern California will climb dramatically as a prolonged heat wave begins Wednesday and could persist into next week.

Southern California Edison says high heat is not the only factor it monitors. The utility also tracks dry vegetation and humidity levels at its emergency operations center in Irwindale to determine if a public safety power shutoff is necessary to prevent wildfires.

Starting Wednesday, temperatures are expected to be in the high 90s and low 100s in inland areas. Officials say now is the time to prepare.