It felt a lot like summer in parts of Riverside County, and the elevated heat is expected to continue through Friday, with triple-digit temperatures likely in some communities.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory that will be in place through 6 p.m. for Riverside County valleys, including the city of Riverside, Moreno Valley and Corona. Forecasters said temperatures of 97 to 100 degrees are anticipated.
Palm Springs, Thousand Palms and Indio all pushed into the upper-90s on Thursday afternoon, while Riverside and Moreno Valley reached the mid-90s.
“The heat will be most widespread on Thursday and Friday, when the shallow marine layer will be pushed out to sea,” according to the NWS. “… A strong ridge aloft will collapse over the weekend, allowing more fog and cooler air to spread inland. Much colder air will arrive early next week, preceded by strong onshore winds over the mountains and deserts, and the potential for widespread rain and mountain snow on Tuesday.”
While temperatures reached near triple digits, records were set for highest minimum temperatures.
The low in Riverside was 60 on Thursday, breaking a record minimum temperature of 58 set in 2016. In San Jacinto, it was 59, breaking a record minimum record of 57 set in 2016.
The Riverside County valleys will be under a wind advisory through 4 p.m. Thursday, with the NWS projecting winds of 15 to 25 mph, with isolated gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph.
“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects,” forecasters said. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.”
Forecasters issued the standard warnings for staying safe in the heat, advising people to “drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
“Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances,” forecasters said.