Triple-digit temperatures will hit Riverside County later this week, with one forecast calling for a record-breaking 113 degrees in Riverside on Friday.
The heat will begin rising Thursday and will culminate Friday and Saturday with an excessive heat warning, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures on Friday are expected to be more than 20 degrees above normal. Inland valley temperatures are expected to hit 110 to 115 degrees and desert temperatures are expected to reach 115 to 120 degrees.
Riverside’s forecast of 113 degrees would break a record of 108 degrees set on July 6, 1907.
An excessive heat warning means a prolonged period of hot temperatures and high humidity is expected and that heat-related illnesses are possible.
To prevent illness, the weather service recommends:
— Drink plenty of fluids;
— Stay out of the sun and, if possible, remain in an air-conditioned room;
— Check on relatives and neighbors.
The heat warning expires at midnight Sunday, with temperatures still forecast in the triple digits that day — 102 for Riverside and 113 for Palm Springs.
Temperatures next week will trend downward, but will still be hotter than average for the foreseeable future, according to the NWS.
Starting Saturday afternoon, moisture is also expected in Riverside County, leading to a chance of thunderstorms in the mountains.