A heat advisory will be in effect starting Thursday in Riverside County, with several days of triple-digit temperatures in the forecast.
The National Weather Service issued the heat advisory for the Riverside valleys and Inland Empire. It takes effect at noon Thursday and continues until 10 p.m. Sunday. Temperatures are expected to range between 97 and 106 degrees.
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” the NWS said in a statement. “When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
Temperatures are expected to hover around 100 degrees in the Riverside metropolitan area through the weekend, while the Coachella Valley, San Gorgonio Pass and desert locations farther east are likely to experience highs in the mid-110s, according to meteorologists.
The NWS has posted an excessive heat warning for the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning from 9 a.m. Saturday through 10 p.m. Sunday.
A ridge of high pressure anchored east of Nevada will instigate the hot, dry conditions, forecasters said.
“There is a chance of low desert locations reaching or exceeding 120 degrees,” according to the NWS statement. “The high weakens slightly on Monday. While there will be a gradual cooing trend (next week), high temperatures inland will remain above normal.”
Forecasters said there is a chance of upper level instability fueling thunderstorms next week, but it’s a remote possibility.
The county last month opened cooling centers in multiple locations, where residents without air-conditioning are able to take a break during daylight hours. A complete list is available at www.capriverside.org/cool-centers.