Stay Cool: Record Temps Of 120+ Predicted In Coachella Valley

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA -- The extreme heat that set records over the weekend in cities throughout the desert continued today, signaling a brutal start of summer for Coachella Valley residents.

National Weather Service forecasters predicted highs of 123 in Thermal, 122 in Palm Springs and 122 in Indio, all of which would break records if reached today.

Summer officially begins at 3:34 p.m. today, according to the NWS, but it arrived early as usual for desert residents. Heat records set Sunday included 118 degrees in Indio, 118 degrees in Palm Springs, and 119 degrees in Thermal, according to the National Weather Service.

An NWS excessive heat warning is set to remain in effect until 8 p.m.Wednesday.

NWS weather stations reported this morning that the heat trend was coming in much warmer than expected, with some stations reporting that the heat was 10 degrees warmer than 24 hours ago. Temperatures were expected to start dropping starting Tuesday thanks to cloud cover, but high temperatures were expected to remain above average.

Those working or spending time outdoors were asked to take extra precautions, such as rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening, if possible, wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and drinking plenty of water.

Authorities also warned against leaving children or pets in parked cars,which can quickly become death traps in high heat.

Also see:

• Best Tips For Protecting Your Children’s Skin This Summer
• Heat Wave To Peak Today: Be Careful Out There!
• 2 Morning Hikers Rescued On 'Bump and Grind' Trail In Palm Desert

--City News Service/File photo