The mercury struck 119 in Palm Springs Tuesday amid a sweltering heat wave, besting the city’s record for this day from 26 years ago, according to the National Weather Service.
The high recorded at the Palm Springs International Airport bested the previous 118-degree day from 1995. Records have been consistently kept in Palm Springs since 1893.
Meanwhile, Thermal also hit 119, though it was one degree off from beating that community’s 120-degree record from 1998. Records from the Thermal Airport go back to 1950.
A ridge of high pressure will continue sending temperatures soaring way past the century mark across much of the county through Thursday, according to the weather service.
Excessive heat warnings will remain in effect for the Coachella Valley and Banning Pass until 8 p.m. Thursday. The warnings went into effect Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, a less severe heat advisory was also extended until 8 p.m. Thursday for the Riverside mountains and the western metropolitan region.
Highs across Riverside County on Thursday also included 103 in Riverside, 106 in San Jacinto, 93 in Idyllwild and 101 in Beaumont.
“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Warm overnight temperatures will compound heat stress for those without adequate cooling,” the weather service said.
People were advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned rooms, avoid the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Cooling centers are open countywide, 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.
Historically, the hottest days ever recorded in Riverside County have been 126 degrees in Thermal and Mecca, according to the NWS.
Thermal hit 126 degrees on July 28, 1995, and Mecca reached 126 on two days, June 26, 1990 and Sept. 2, 1950.