RIVERSIDE (CNS) - Seasonal temperatures are expected again Thursday throughout Riverside County, but the mercury will rise quickly starting on Friday and highs will remain in the triple digits through early next week, according to the National Weather Service.
High pressure centered over New Mexico and Arizona will strengthen and expand starting Friday and continuing through Monday, forecasters said.
Triple-digit heat is expected in the Coachella Valley, the Riverside metropolitan area and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning from Friday through Tuesday, forecasters said. Sunday is expected to be the hottest day of the heat wave, with highs potentially reaching 117 in the Coachella Valley, 105 in the Riverside metropolitan area and 106 in the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning.
The NWS issued an excessive heat warning that will be in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. Monday in the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass.
NWS officials urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. Also, young children, senior and pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle parked during the day, with car interiors able to reach lethal temperatures in minutes.
High temperatures Thursday are forecast to reach 108 degrees in the Coachella Valley, 100 in the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, 96 in Hemet, 94 in Riverside and Lake Elsinore, 89 in Temecula and 85 in Idyllwild. Sunday's highs will be 117 in a number of Coachella Valley communities.
Slight cooling will arrive on Tuesday and continue through at least Wednesday, forecasters said.