Heat Wave To Push Temps Way Above Normal - Possibly 20 Degrees In Some Areas

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA -- The sweltering heat that began moving into Riverside County and the rest of Southern California this weekend is expected to extend its hold today with temperatures soaring by up to 20 degrees in some areas.

The extreme heat began moving in this weekend and will only get worse early next week. A National Weather Service excessive heat warning will remain in place until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

"High temperatures will warm 12 to 18 degrees above average today, and 15 to 20 degrees above average on Monday," according to the weather service. "This could push the hottest high temperatures on Monday to around 120 in the lower deserts, 112 in the upper deserts and near 110 in the inland valleys."

Forecasters said Monday -- the first day of summer -- likely will be the hottest day. High temperatures are predicted to be 95 to 105 degrees in mountain areas lower than 6,000 feet, in the 90s on higher peaks, 108 to 112 degrees in the upper deserts, and 116 to 122 degrees in the lower deserts.

About 150 customers of Imperial Irrigation District lost their power on Saturday from 9 to 10:40 a.m. in Desert Hot Springs and Sky Valley. The temperature around the time of the failure was between 90 and 97 degrees. While the heat was not directly related to the power outage, it may have contributed to the failure of the equipment that caused the outage, IID PIO Marion Champion said.

Forecasters advised the public to avoid potentially serious heat-related ailments by staying well-hydrated, avoiding unnecessary outdoor labor and checking on neighbors and relatives -- especially those with health conditions and who lack air conditioning.

There are more than 50 cooling centers available in Riverside County for people to seek refuge from the heat. The centers are provided by senior citizen centers, libraries, churches and community centers. They offer water, food and air conditioning.

A list of the centers can be found on the Riverside County Fire Department's website at http://www.rvcfire.org/Documents/2016_Cool_Center_Directory_June_2016.pdf

Authorities also warned against leaving children or pets in parked cars, which can quickly become death traps in high heat.

The heat wave is expected to break toward the middle of next week, but forecasters said it could still remain hot in the deserts and on the lower mountain slopes.

--City News Service/Morguefile image