Scenes from the swelter at Lake Balboa

Yet another heat wave will drive up temperatures across greater Los Angeles starting Thursday, accompanied by the chance of thunderstorms and increasing the risk of lightning-sparked wildfires in Southern California.

On Wednesday, July 31, people got out of the heat by enjoying the shade at Lake Balboa in Anthony C. Beilenson Park in Van Nuys. From walking their dogs to enjoying the birds, everyone seemed happy. Perhaps happiest of all was Darlene Martinez, 15, from Pacoima, who was getting pictures taken of her wearing her quinceañera dress at the lake.