The searing heat gripping the Inland Empire drove the mercury into record-breaking territory Wednesday in the Coachella Valley.
According to the National Weather Service, a high temperature record was set in Indio, where the thermometer peaked at 117 degrees Wednesday. That compares to the previous record high for Aug. 26, 116 degrees set in 2020.
Similarly, in Thermal, the temperature topped out at 118, erasing the previous record of 117 for the date set in 2020.
In Palm Springs, the mercury also shot up to 118, tying the record for the date established in 2020, according to the NWS.
Forecasters said the broiling heat will persist into the weekend, with another possible round of record-busting temperatures on Thursday.
However, beginning Saturday, “a cooling trend is expected” to begin, continuing into the middle of next week “as high pressure aloft weakens and shifts to the southeast,” bringing the temperature band back to within the normal range, according to the National Weather Service.
An Extreme Heat Warning for all of Riverside County will be in effect until 8 p.m. Friday.
Overnight lows are expected to offer little relief for residents, with temperatures only expected to fall into the mid-80s to mid-90s in the Coachella Valley, and into the upper-70s in the Riverside metropolitan area and neighboring locations.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the National Weather Service advised. “Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
Forecasters said temperatures through Friday are expected to range from 100 to 110 for much of the region, but 112 to 118 for the lower deserts.