101 Degrees Forecast For Murrieta As 'Intense Heat Wave' Moves In

MURRIETA, CA – As the year's first prolonged heat wave makes its way to Riverside County, county health officials are warning residents to take precautions. With temperatures expected to climb up to 100 degrees in many places across the county – and up to 117 degrees in Palm Springs come next week – health officials say they are worried some might not be prepared for the drastic change.

"High temperatures always present challenges, but the first heat wave of the year can be particularly dangerous since people may have forgotten the danger high temperatures can present," said Sarah Mack, director of Riverside University Health System, Public Health. "There are some simple precautions that people can take to protect themselves."

Mack suggested that residents drink lots of water to avoid getting dehydrated, stay out of direct sunlight, close blinds and/or curtains to minimize the heat, visit someplace cool and don't leave children, pets or disabled individuals alone in vehicles. Those without air conditioning can also head to one of several cooling centers across Riverside County, which serve light refreshments and water.

The National Weather Service says that the heat wave is expected to begin on Friday and last into much of next week.

By Tuesday, the "hit risk" potential jumps into the "very high" category for much of the Coachella Valley, data indicates.

As for Murrieta in particular, here's what the NWS says residents can expect over the coming days into the heat wave:

This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 92. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight
Clear, with a low around 58. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 93. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Thursday Night
Clear, with a low around 59. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 100. Light and variable wind becoming south 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night
Clear, with a low around 60.

Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 96.

Saturday Night
Clear, with a low around 60.

Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 97.

Sunday Night
Clear, with a low around 60.

Monday
Sunny, with a high near 99.

Monday Night
Clear, with a low around 61.

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 101.

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