A record-breaking March heat wave is scorching Southern California, with temperatures 20-25 degrees above normal. Scientists link the increasing intensity and duration of such events to human-driven climate change. A punishing March heat wave has descended on Southern California, with temperatures expected to shatter daily records across Los Angeles County and beyond. The National Weather Service forecasts widespread temperatures between 90 and 100 degrees through Friday, running 20 to 25 degrees above normal for mid-March. Meteorologists say a high-pressure system has parked over the region, blocking the usual cooling winds from the Pacific. "The nation's air conditioner, as we like to call it, is essentially shut off right now," said Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the NWS Los Angeles office. "We'll likely tie or break several temperature records all across LA County."  Forecasters expect 95-degree heat in Pasadena, San Gabriel and Burbank on Thursday, surpassing single-day records set in 2007. Long Beach could hit 94 degrees, breaking its 2007 record of 92. Even the Santa Monica Pier is forecast to reach 85 degrees, well above the 78-degree record for March 12 set in 2...