A potentially record-setting heat wave continues to build across Riverside County Thursday, with temperatures expected to continue climbing through the Fourth of July holiday and peaking on Friday.
As usual, the Coachella Valley will be particularly sizzling, with an excessive heat warning extended through at least 9 p.m. Wednesday with temperatures forecast to top 120 degrees. The National Weather Service noted that Palm Springs on Friday “will be an exceptional case, when the all-time daily high temperature record of 123 degrees will be challenged.”
“A long-duration heat wave will continue for the deserts through at least much of next week,” according to the NWS.
Riverside County valleys and mountains will be under an excessive heat warning from 11 a.m. Friday through 9 p.m. Saturday, with temperatures potentially reaching between 103 and 108.
As usual, forecasters warned residents to take precautions against the extreme heat.
“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. “Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
Temperatures will likely inch up slightly on Thursday’s holiday, but “Friday and Saturday look to be the overall peak of this heat event,” as high temperatures in inland areas range from “10-18 degrees warmer than seasonal average.”
The NWS predicted that Coachella Valley locations will likely set multiple high temperature records in the coming days.
Forecasters warned people planning to gather outdoors for Fourth of July festivities that precautions need to be taken.
“A bunch of folks are likely going to be outside for the holiday, in the heat, playing games, grilling, and drinking alcohol,” according to an NWS statement. “All of this is a recipe for dehydration — not to mention sunburn — if you aren’t careful and mixing in a water here and there, as well as re-applying sunscreen. The fact of the matter is, heat is the most frequent cause of weather-related illnesses and deaths, and we have an abundance of it coming in.”