Triple-digit temperatures are expected in Riverside County for the fourth consecutive day today and into the weekend, but the worse of this week's heat wave is nearly over, according to forecasters.
The National Weather Service attributed the oppressive heat to a ridge
of high pressure over the southwestern states.
An excessive heat warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. for the Inland
Empire and the Coachella Valley. During the warning period, daytime highs in
the Coachella Valley, are expected to be between 108 to 118 degrees, with heat index values of 112 to 122 and overnight lows of 85 to 95 degrees. The heat index values factor in the humidity to determine how hot it really feels.
"Hot days followed by warm and humid nights can limit the body's
ability to keep cool,'' according to an NWS advisory. "Visiting hikers and
campers unfamiliar with intense desert heat are especially susceptible to heat
stroke or heat exhaustion. Pets are also susceptible to this heat.''
Daytime highs in mountain areas will range from 100 in the foothills to
the mid-80s above 6,500 feet. There's also a slight chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms in the mountains through Monday, NWS forecasters said.
