The mercury is forecast to soar well over 100 degrees in the Coachella Valley, with elevated temperatures as well in other parts of Riverside County Friday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an excessive heat warning and heat advisories.
The excessive heat warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Friday.
Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 109 on Friday are expected, the NWS said.
Despite the early June warm-up, “very few, if any, daily temperature records look to be challenged,” the agency stated.
Meteorologists said ridges of high pressure anchored in the western U.S. will govern weather patterns through the latter half of the week, causing the hot, dry conditions across the eastern half of the Inland Empire.
The highs in Palm Springs through Friday will be 109 to 111 degrees, with overnight lows generally around 80. Thermal and other locations farther east may be hotter.
Heat advisories have been issued for the Riverside County valleys and will be in effect until 9 p.m. Friday with temperatures expected to reach 92 degrees.
In the Riverside metropolitan area, the mercury will settle in the low 90s through Friday, dropping to the mid 60s during the nighttime hours.
Forecasters said the Temecula Valley will benefit from coastal marine layers, with highs in the mid 80s and lows in the upper 50s until Friday.
Cooler weather is slated to return to the western county region during the weekend, ushering in the customary “June Gloom,” especially during the mornings.