Triple-digit heat will bake much of the Inland Empire later this week, with forecasters warning of potentially dangerous highs of up to 114 degrees in the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning.
According to the National Weather Service, a ridge of high pressure will influence weather patterns starting Wednesday, bringing “excessive heat” to parts of the region over a three- to four-day period.
“Highs could reach 111-115 degrees, especially this weekend in the lower deserts, with 100-103 degrees possible in the Inland Empire, though the heat could peak a little earlier, likely around Friday,” the NWS said in a forecast statement.
The agency issued an excessive heat watch that will be in effect from Thursday morning through Sunday evening in the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass. Forecasters said “dangerously hot conditions” are anticipated, with highs reaching 114 degrees.
“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” according to the NWS.
Overnight lows in many areas will only fall in to the 80s, forecasters said.
As usual during heat waves, forecasters urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, seek out air-conditioned spaces and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.
According to meteorologists, clear skies and light winds will accompany the soaring mercury, with little relief until the start of next week, when a trough of low pressure is slated to slide into the region.
In the Riverside metropolitan area, high temperatures will hover in the low to mid 90s until Thursday, then flirt with 100 on Friday and Saturday, according to the NWS. Lows will settle in the mid to upper 60s Wednesday to Saturday.
Forecast models indicated that the Temecula Valley will benefit from coastal marine layers most of the week, with highs remaining at or just below 90 and lows around 60 going into the weekend.