Cooling Centers Announced as Heat Wave Hits

Photo via Shutterstock

By City News Service

A heat wave is expected to send temperatures into triple-digits across much of Riverside County on Thursday and as high as 10 degrees above average throughout the weekend.

Highs today of 98 to 104 degrees are forecast for the valleys of Riverside County, as are highs of 90 to 99 degrees in the mountains, 104 to 109 along the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, and 108 to 113 degrees in the Coachella Valley.

National Weather Service forecasters said the already sweltering temperatures would inch up a few more degrees in the coming days, reaching highs on Saturday of 102 to 108 degrees in the valleys, 91 to 101 in the mountains, 108 to 113 along the pass and 110 to 115 in the Coachella Valley.

An excessive heat watch is scheduled to take effect Friday morning in areas other than the mountains and extend through Sunday evening.

“High pressure over the desert Southwest will gradually strengthen through this weekend as it moves west over Southern California,” according to the weather service. “High temperatures will increase through this weekend and reach up to 10 degrees above normal.”

With triple-digit heat forecast for the next few days, The NWS and Riverside County health officials are reminding residents take precautions against dehydration, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. Seniors and people with health vulnerabilities should be especially careful.

“Heat-related injuries such as heat stroke, an illness that occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature, can strike fast and pose life-threatening consequences,” according to the county health department.

Residents and employees working in hot zones were advised to reschedule strenuous activities, when possible; wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing; drink plenty of water, but avoid sugary beverages; take frequent breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas; and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

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

Anyone seeking a midday reprieve from the heat may visit any of the several cooling centers scattered throughout the county. The centers are generally libraries, senior centers, community centers and meeting halls that provide air-conditioned shelter while in operation, in cooperation with the health department and Riverside County Community Action Partnership.

A full list of locations is available online at rivcohealthdata.org/home/index.php/cool-centers.