An excessive heat warning remains in place Sunday for parts of the Inland Empire with highs up to 115 degrees expected in the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning.
Overnight lows in many areas will only fall in to the 80s, forecasters said.
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.
“High pressure will continue to strengthen into the weekend,” the NWS said. “Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.”
Meteorologists said 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.
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.
People were also urged to keep their animals out of the sun, make sure they access to clean drinking water and never leave pets in an unattended vehicle.
A list of cooling centers in Riverside County can be found at capriverside.org/Portals/2/PDF/Cool/May2022/2022@CoolCenterDirectory.pdf.