Extreme Heat Watch Issued For RivCo As 'Dangerously Hot' Temps Expected

BANNING, CA — An extreme heat watch was issued for Riverside County on Friday by the National Weather Service due to a high-pressure system building up.

The extreme heat watch will go into effect at 10 a.m. on Sunday until 8 p.m. on Tuesday due to "dangerously hot" temperatures that are expected to reach an average of 107 degree, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS issued the Extreme Heat watch for Coachella Valley, San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, and San Diego County desert areas. Temperatures are forecasted in those areas to range from 104 to 109 degrees.

According to the National Weather Service, a ridge of high pressure bearing down from the north will thrust aside a low pressure trough that had been keeping a lid on daytime temperatures, leading to a brief but sharp warming trend.

"Warming takes place on Sunday and Monday across all regions, as the ridge peaks in strength," the NWS said in a statement Friday. "This will bring the inland region 15 to 20 degrees above normal. Moderate heat risk is expected for the Inland Empire and high desert, as high temperatures rise into
the mid- to upper 90s, with some spots (exceeding) 100 degrees."

Forecasters said the heatwave poses a risk of heat-related illness and advised the public to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned settings, avoid sunlight, and check on relatives and neighbors.

NWS forecasters also urged the public to not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles as car interiors will reach lethal temperatures within minutes.

Cooling centers throughout Riverside County can be found at countyofriverside.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5ffaf74e67244 b829796eeb8df6bc6a7.

City News Service contributed to this report.