The scorching triple digit forecasts in areas of Riverside County will continue Friday and prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to warn that large swaths of the area remain under extreme heat warnings and heat risks through the weekend.
Officials cautioned residents that severe and dangerous conditions, especially increased wildfire danger and heat related illness, are created by the heat wave.
In addition to the dangerous heat, the federal agency’s forecasters have called for a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m.
The NWS forecasted that the most extreme conditions will last through Saturday evening, with dangerously hot conditions that may hit temperatures as high as 113 degrees.
A red flag warning is in effect for parts of Riverside County until Saturday at 9 p.m. which means residents should be on heightened alert, take precautions to prevent wildfires and be prepared to evacuate.
”Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” warned a statement from the NWS. ”Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”