Soaring temperatures amid the ongoing heat wave set new records Friday in three Riverside County locations and tied in a fourth.
In the mile-high community of Idyllwild, the mercury reached 96 degrees, breaking the previous high of 90 on this date, but just to the east, in the Coachella Valley, temperatures were well into triple digits, according to the National Weather Service.
The high in Indio and Palm Springs was both 119. The previous record for both cities was 117, while in Thermal, the 119-degree heat tied the record high set in 2015.
Records in Palm Springs date from 1893, in Indio from 1894, in Idyllwild since 1943 and Thermal since 1950.
Excessive heat warnings that began Monday will continue through 9 p.m. Saturday in the western Riverside County valleys and mountains, and through 9 p.m. Sunday in the Coachella Valley.
The high pressure system over the southwest U.S. remains in place and will keep most of the region blazing through Saturday, forecasters said.
The system will begin weakening on Sunday, when temperatures are expected to start returning to seasonable norms, the weather service said.
Meteorologists said the extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
People should be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
While young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances, the weather service said that is especially true during warm or hot weather — when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
Cooling centers were recently opened in multiple locations in Riverside County, giving residents who don’t have access to air conditioning a cool place to stay during the heat of the day. A complete list of centers is available at www.capriverside.org/cool-centers.