National Weather Service Issues Excessive Heat Warning for Coachella Valley

By City News Service

Strengthening high pressure is expected to send daytime temperatures in the Coachella Valley into the triple digits this week, several degrees above normal, forecasters said Sunday.

A National Weather Service excessive heat watch is scheduled to take effect Tuesday afternoon and extend until Friday afternoon. Afternoon highs during the advisory period could soar to 114 degrees.

“High pressure aloft will gradually strengthen across Southern California through next weekend, bringing a slow warming trend,” according to the weather service. “For Tuesday into next weekend, high temperatures will be 5 to 10 degrees above average with high temperatures of 108 to 114.”

Coachella Valley residents were advised to avoid outdoor activity, if possible, keep nonalcoholic and noncaffeinated drinks on hand and wear sunscreen, lightweight loose clothing and a hat.

Forecasters urged residents to take advantage of air conditioned areas and warned that kids and pets should not be left in enclosed vehicles.