Temperatures soared far into triple digits in parts of Riverside County Saturday, as forecasters issued heat warnings for the Fourth of July weekend.
An excessive heat warning was issued for the areas of Palm Springs and Coachella effective from 11 a.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service reported. A less severe heat advisory was issued for the areas of downtown Riverside, Hemet and Temecula for the same duration.
Saturday’s highs were expected to reach 115 in Palm Springs, 114 in Coachella and 104 in Hemet. Downtown Riverside was expected to hit 98 and Temecula 89.
Temperatures will be similar on Sunday, rising a couple degrees in Coachella and Palm Springs, and dropping to 102 in Hemet, forecasters said. Monday will be similarly scorching, with temperatures expected to begin a slight decline on Tuesday’s official holiday and drop by up to 10 degrees by next weekend.
High temperatures significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the midday sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the NWS advised. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”
An air quality alert for elevated ozone air pollution was also issued by the NWS. Ozone air pollution can cause respiratory health problems including trouble breathing, asthma attacks and lung damage.
In order to minimize ozone air pollution levels, the NWS advised limiting the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment until evening hours, conserving electricity and setting air conditioners at a higher temperature and trying to delay trips to the gas station and the use of household chemicals until the evening.
The hot and dry conditions were also creating elevated wildfire risk.
