An excessive heat warning took effect in parts of the Inland Empire Thursday and will continue through Sunday night.
Potentially dangerous highs of up to 115 degrees in the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning were in the forecast.
The excessive heat warning took effect at 10 a.m. Thursday and will continue until 8 p.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” according to the NWS.
A less severe heat advisory took effect for the Riverside County valleys, including the cities of Riverside, Moreno Valley and Corona. The advisory will remain in place until 8 p.m. Saturday.
Those areas are expected to see temperatures of 95 to 105, 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.
“High pressure will continue to strengthen into the weekend,” according to the NWS. “Warming for inland areas will continue into Friday and Saturday with high temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above average with the peak of the heat for the valleys, mountains, and deserts on Friday and Saturday.”
Overnight lows in many areas will only fall in to the 80s, forecasters said.
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.
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.