A temperature record was tied in Palm Springs Friday for the second consecutive day with extremely hot weather in Riverside County’s deserts expected to persist through early next week.
The low in Palm Springs was 81 degrees, tying the record for the date for the highest minimum set in 1981, according to the National Weather Service. Records have been kept since 1893.
Thursday’s low in Palm Springs was 83, tying the record for the date for the highest minimum set in 2008.
Riverside County highs for Friday included 114 in Palm Springs, 109 in Thermal, 107 in Indio, 106 in Pinyon Pines, 103 in Lake Elsinore, 99 in Hemet, 96 in Beaumont, 93 in Idyllwild and 91 at Riverside Airport.
A National Weather Service excessive heat warning for the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass zone, which includes Banning and Desert Hot Springs, will remain in effect until 9 p.m. Monday. A less severe heat advisory for the rest of Riverside County will run from 10 a.m. Sunday until 9 that night.
“Excessive heat will continue through the weekend and through Monday in the lower deserts,” according to the NWS. “On Sunday it will become hot across the Inland Empire, the mountains below 5,000 feet, and the inland valleys of San Diego County.”
High temperatures in the deserts are expected to hover around 115 degrees Saturday, range from 115 to 120 degrees Sunday then inch up to between 112 and 118 Monday. On Sunday, highs of 100 to 110 degrees are in the forecast for the Inland Empire, as are highs of 95 to 102 degrees for mountain areas with altitudes lower than 5,000 feet.
The hot weather will increase the risk of heat-related illness and anyone working or spending time outdoors would be more susceptible, as will the elderly, children and those unaccustomed to the heat. Forecasters advised residents to reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing and be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Authorities have also warned against leaving children, seniors or pets in parked cars, which can heat up to lethal levels in just minutes, even with a window partially open.
–City News Service