Heatwave Day 3: More heat records to fall Wednesday
A relentless heat wave is expected to reach peak high temperatures well into the triple digits today in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley.
Most of the Inland Empire will see high temperatures ranging from 109 to 114 degrees before temperatures begin to cool slightly Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. High temperatures in the Coachella Valley are expected to reach 119 degrees, slightly cooler than the record high temperature of 121 degrees in Palm Springs Tuesday.
The high-pressure system bringing the extreme heat prompted the weather service to issue an Excessive Heat Warning beginning Monday at 10 a.m. and remaining in effect through Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Coachella Valley, San Gorgonio Pass near Banning and Riverside County Mountains and valleys.
Palm Springs and Thermal set record high temperatures, with 121 degrees and 122 degrees respectively, for the second consecutive day Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
High temperatures today could reach 109 in Riverside, 106 degrees in Temecula and 119 degrees in Indio, forecasters said.
The California Independent System Operator Corporation issued a statewide Flex Alert calling for voluntary electricity conservation from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. today.
Lows in the Coachella Valley may not dip below the 90s throughout the heat wave, meaning the minimal cooling at night could pose a health risk to those who don’t have access to air conditioning because the body needs time to cool down from the day’s heat, according to the National Weather Service.
The NWS also warned that heat islands could form in dense urban areas where human activity causes the temperature to be higher than in open spaces.
Heat islands can cause breathing problems, heat cramps, heat stroke, or even death.
Riverside County health officials advised locals to take advantage of the 56 cooling centers that opened to the public this month and are available at no cost.
Click here for complete list of free and public Riverside County Cool Centers
Forecasters said the heat will subside back to seasonal levels by Friday, with temperatures mostly in the 90s across the board.
Aquí está la lista completa de refugios para el calor del Condado de Riverside
People are urged to protect themselves and their loved ones, wear light clothing and try to stay in an air-conditioned place.
You can also check on friends and neighbors especially the elderly. And never leave a child, a senior, or a pet in a vehicle parked in the heat as the vehicle’s interior temperatures can quickly turn deadly.
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