Extreme Heat In Palm Desert: Cooling Centers Open For Those In Need

PALM DESERT, CA — Excessive heat warning in Palm Desert and across Coachella Valley will continue through Sunday night, the National Weather Service says.

Potentially dangerous highs of up to 115 degrees in the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning are in the forecast.

Cooling centers in Palm Desert are open, officials say. Three locations are now open:

Joslyn Center*
73750 Catalina Way
760-340-3220
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
*For those age 50 and over

Palm Desert Community Center
43900 San Pablo Avenue
760-340-3220
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Palm Desert Library
73300 Fred Waring Drive
760-346-6552
Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

The excessive heat warning for those areas took effect at 10 a.m. Thursday and will continue until 8 p.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

See the full forecast for Palm Desert from Accuweather.

"Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat- related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," according to the NWS.

Meanwhile, a less severe heat advisory took effect for the Riverside County valleys, including the cities of Riverside, Moreno Valley and Corona.

The advisory will remain in place until 8 p.m. Saturday. Those areas are expected to see temperatures of 95 to 105, forecasters said.

As usual during heat waves, forecasters urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, seek out air conditioned spaces and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.

"High pressure will continue to strengthen into the weekend," according to the NWS. "Warming for inland areas will continue into Friday and Saturday with high temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above average with the peak of the heat for the valleys, mountains, and deserts on Friday and Saturday."

Overnight lows in many areas will only fall in to the 80s, forecasters said.

According to meteorologists, clear skies and light winds will accompany the soaring mercury, with little relief until the start of next week, when a trough of low pressure is slated to slide into the region.

Forecast models indicated that the Temecula Valley will benefit from coastal marine layers most of the week, with highs remaining at or just below 90 and lows around 60 going into the weekend.

Palm Desert - Your weekend temperatures:

Saturday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 113. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Saturday Night
Clear, with a low around 81. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 109. Light northwest wind becoming west 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 76.

Cool centers are coordinated by the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County, in conjunction with Riverside University Health System – Public Health.

For a complete list of cool center locations and to view an interactive map with additional details, visit www.capriverside.org or call 951-955-4900.