The high temperatures and poor air quality will linger for several days across the region.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Torrid heat will persist this week throughout Riverside County, bringing with it unhealthful air in the western part of the region.
Countywide, an Excessive Heat Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. Wednesday through 8 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service. An ozone advisory is also in place through 8 p.m. Friday across all of the county’s western area.
During the hot stretch, daytime high temperatures are forecast to exceed 105 degrees in the Temecula Valley and San Gorgonio Pass Area, while the Coachella Valley will hover around 115 degrees, the NWS reported.
” … we expect hot weather in most areas this afternoon with highs up to 115 in hottest parts of the lower deserts and 106 in hottest parts of the valleys,” according to the agency.
Overnight lows in the valleys and Pass Area will drop to the low to mid-70s, while the desert areas will dip to the low 90s.
The hot weather is creating elevated fire conditions across the mountains, valleys and deserts.
There is a slight chance of thunderstorms in the mountains and deserts Wednesday afternoon, which could extend into the weekend, according to the NWS.
While the heat warning is currently set to expire Friday night, forecasters say they are watching models.
“We are looking at extending the excessive heat warning for at least parts of our area through Saturday and will finalize any decision by early this afternoon,” the NWS reported Wednesday morning.
During dangerously hot conditions, the NWS urges residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Animal welfare agencies also advise that residents keep their pets and livestock cool and ensure there is plenty of access to clean drinking water.
The hot weather is impacting air quality. Due to the heat wave, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an ozone advisory Tuesday in multiple Southern California counties, including parts of Riverside County.
Air quality index (AQI) levels are expected to reach a designation of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or more severe in western Riverside County communities. Other areas, including cities in Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County, could also be potentially impacted.
The advisory went into effect at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and will last until 8 p.m. Friday, according to the SCAQMD.
The agency said it would provide an update if ozone levels maintained their high levels after the advisory expires.
Residents can view a full map of the areas affected at www.aqmd.gov/AQImap.
The excessive heat prompted the Imperial Irrigation District to issue a “conserve alert” Wednesday that will be in place until Friday, urging people to reduce their energy use.
The utility provides power to La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, Bermuda Dunes and other unincorporated areas, as well as small parts of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells.
Customers were encouraged to conserve energy in the peak evening hours of 4 to 9 p.m. for the next three days, as the demand for power could outstrip supply.
Conserve alerts are issued when electrical demand is high, which generally occurs during heat waves.
The IID encouraged customers to set their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, avoid using major appliances, turn off unnecessary lights, unplug or turn off unused electrical devices, keep blinds and drapes closed, and use floor or ceiling fans when possible.
More information can be found at iid.com/conservealert.
