The Los Angeles Dodgers face a significant challenge as they prepare for the NLDS against either the Atlanta Braves or Philadelphia Phillies amid an intense heat wave in Southern California. The first two games of the series will take place under sweltering conditions, with the opener scheduled for Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET and Game 2 on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium.

Starting Thursday, temperatures are expected to rise dramatically, with CBS Los Angeles indicating that the heat wave could last over a week. Saturday is projected to be the hottest day, with officials warning of high temperatures and elevated humidity.

Key details include:

• Forecast for Saturday: High of 98 degrees with sunny skies and minimal cloud cover.
• Potential for temperatures to reach up to 108 degrees, nearing a record set in 1987.
• The RealFeel heat index is expected to hit 105 degrees.

Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts expressed a preference for night games during such extreme weather, stating, "I would probably prefer to play at night... to play at night would certainly be more beneficial." The team is no stranger to playing in extreme heat, recalling a similar situation during the 2017 World Series against the Houston Astros, where Game 1 reached 103 degrees.

The scheduling of the Dodgers' NLDS Game 1 coincides with three other postseason games on the same day, complicating any potential changes to the start time due to the extreme weather.