Another day of “dangerously hot conditions” is on tap for the Riverside County region — especially the deserts — with daytime temperatures reaching as high as 119 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The extended heat wave — courtesy of a persistent high-pressure system — was expected to peak Sunday, creating potentially dangerous and unhealthful conditions.
“Strong high pressure aloft will maintain hot weather inland into next week, with periods of high clouds,” the NWS said. “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.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the NWS advised. “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 multiple brush fires that have erupted since Friday. The South Coast Air Quality Management District extended a smoke advisory through at least noon Monday.
AQMD officials urged people to limit exposure by remaining indoors 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 fire pits, and wearing respirator masks while outdoors.