A days-long heat wave is expected to peak Saturday and Sunday across the region, thanks to a persistent high-pressure system that will linger into early next week, creating potentially dangerous and unhealthful conditions.
“Strong high pressure aloft will maintain hot weather inland into next week, with periods of high clouds,” according to the National Weather Service. “Breezy west to southwest winds near the passes will keep fire weather conditions elevated.”
Excessive heat warnings will be in place until 11 p.m. Wednesday in the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass, where high temperatures of 115 to 121 degrees are possible.
A similar warning will be in place until 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Riverside County Mountains and valleys, with highs possibly reaching 105 degrees in the mountains and up to 110 elsewhere.
“The peak of the heat is expected this weekend with slight cooling for early next week,” according to the NWS. “High temperatures near 115 degrees could continue through the week.
“… 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. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
In addition to the heat, Riverside County is also coping with poor air quality thanks to a trio of large brush fires that erupted Friday. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory that will be in effect through at least 4 p.m. Saturday.
AQMD officials urged people to limit exposure by remaining in doors with windows and doors closed, avoiding strenuous physical activity, using air conditions rather than swamp coolers or fans that bring in outside air, avoiding burning wood in fireplaces and firepits, and wearing respirator masks while outdoors.