Palm Desert Bakes In Heat Wave As High Pressure Lingers

PALM DESERT, CA — A heat wave parked across Riverside County and much of Southern California this week. Most valley cities were expected to reach triple digits, as were mountain regions recently plagued by wildfires, according to the National Weather Service.

"Dangerously hot temperatures are expected across the interior through at least today and possibly Tuesday as strong high pressure remains over the West Coast," according to the National Weather Service. "Onshore flow and a shallow marine layer will keep areas near the coast much cooler but still above normal. A slight cooling trend is expected through the middle of the week. However, warmer temperatures are expected for the latter half of the week as the high-pressure ridge returns."

The hot, dry weather was no help for the influx of wildfire danger across Southern California. Four brush fires continued to smolder and burn in Riverside County in Beaumont, Perris, and near Lake Mathews.

In Southwest Riverside County, Temecula, and Murrieta, temperatures would hover in the high 90s, while Lake Elsinore would see temperatures top 103 by Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, the Pass Area would see temperatures reach 100 by Thursday and 101 by Saturday.

Coachella Valley temperatures were expected to soar Thursday and Friday, topping 118 degrees in Palm Desert, according to meteorologists.

Temperatures were only expected to drop a couple of degrees mid-week, but generally similar highs were forecast for later in the week, with next weekend's highs possibly exceeding this weekend's numbers, according to the NWS.

"Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," NWS forecasters warned. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances."

The high heat was expected to contribute to "elevated to brief critical fire conditions" in the desert, mountain, and interior valley areas. Those areas will see humidity levels in the 5% to 15% range. Winds are expected to be relatively light, but some higher gusts are possible in traditionally wind-prone areas.

As a result of the Riverside County fires, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory that was later extended through at least noon Monday.

AQMD officials urged people to limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, avoiding strenuous physical activity, using air conditions rather than swamp coolers or fans that bring in outside air, avoiding burning wood in fireplaces and fire pits, and wearing respirator masks while outdoors.

In Palm Desert, your National Weather Service forecast for the next seven days:

Monday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 113. Heat index values as high as 116. Southeast wind around 10 mph.

Monday night
Mostly clear, with a low around 88. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tuesday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 114. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 87. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 114. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 87.

Thursday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 118.

Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 87.

Friday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 115.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 89.

Saturday
Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 117.

Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 88.

Sunday
Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 115.

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 88.

Monday
Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 113.