Scorching temperatures have prompted week-long heat warnings, watches and advisories throughout Riverside County this week.
Sunday’s temperatures were expected to reach 103 degrees in the downtown Riverside area, 102 in Temecula, 107 in Hemet and 115 in Coachella and Palm Springs.
“The ridge remains stationary and locked in over the desert southwest, translating to the persistence of high temperatures remaining on an average of 5 to 10 degrees above average throughout the rest of the work week,” the National Weather Service announced.
Temperatures of up to 117 degrees are expected in the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning this week, with overnight temperatures about 5 to 8 degrees above normal, according to the NWS.
Temperatures in western areas of Riverside County were expected to range from 100 to 107 all week with overnight temperatures in the low to mid-70s.
An extreme heat warning was in effect until at least 8 p.m. Friday for the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning.
An extreme heat watch was in effect Tuesday morning through Friday evening for the Riverside County mountains and Valleys, preceded by a less serious heat advisory for the same areas.
Health officials advised people to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day and check up on relatives and neighbors. The public was also urged to never leave children or pets in parked vehicles for even a minute, as temperatures inside vehicles can reach deadly levels in virtually no time.