Forecasters Predict Hottest Day Of Week Today

Palm Springs topped out at 116 degrees Tuesday, but that wasn’t hot enough to set a record in the famously hot desert town, where it was 122 degrees on that date in 1985.

Thermal tied Palm Springs at 116 degrees, and Indio was even hotter at 118, but no Coachella Valley records fell Tuesday, National Weather Service forecaster Mike Watkins said.

Highs through Friday are forecast to be “10 to 15 degrees above seasonal averages,” then cooler weather should arrive, Watkins said.

The Riverside County Department of Public Health has issued a heat warning through Thursday, with temperatures forecast to be above 100 degrees for three to five consecutive days.

High humidity — a characteristic feature of desert weather that sometimes produces thunderstorms in late summer — could make it feel even hotter, according to public health officials.

Cooling centers are open countywide, and public health officials reminded people to drink plenty of water and to be on guard for signs of heat distress, such as headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness or cramps and nausea or vomiting.

To stay cool, county officials suggested that people visit air- conditioned malls, libraries or restaurants, or to take in a movie.

The very young and very old are particularly susceptible to heat exhaustion and should never be left in hot cars.

The NWS recommended avoiding strenuous outdoor activity if possible, wearing lightweight, loose- fitting clothing and a hat.

A list of cool centers is available on the side of this web page.