Several heat records were broken across Riverside County as exceptionally hot temperatures continued to roast Riverside County and elevate the fire danger.
The city of Riverside broke the all-time high-temperature record for September, reaching 117 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The previous record of 115 degrees was set in 1955.
Meanwhile, Palm Springs broke its high-temperature record for this date, topping out at 117 degrees, the NWS said. The previous record of 114 degrees was set in 1986.
The heat didn’t spare the mountain areas either. Idyllwild hit 103 degrees, tying the all-time record high, set just two years ago.
An excessive heat warning is in effect through 8 p.m. Monday throughout Riverside County. The NWS also issued a fire weather watch through 6 p.m. Sunday in the Riverside metropolitan area and county mountains.
The fire weather watch comes with a warning that any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly, and outdoor burning is not recommended.
A brushfire developed midday Saturday in Yucaipa, which has since charred more than 2,700 acres, prompting evacuations and sending a large plume of smoke into the sky that was visible in many parts of neighboring Riverside County.
Temperatures are expected to drop by a few degrees Monday.
Monday’s highs are forecast to be 103 degrees in Temecula, 110 degrees in Riverside, 112 in Hemet, 117 in Thermal and 119 in Palm Springs.
Forecasters said the high-pressure system will weaken by Tuesday, bringing temperatures closer to average.
The NWS urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Also, children, seniors and pets should be never be left unattended in a vehicle, with car interiors able to “reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes,” according to the NWS.
Riverside County has 35 cooling centers available countywide with mandatory mask wearing and social distancing protocols in place.
A full list can be found at www.capriverside.org/Cool-Centers.
KF