Temps To Soar: Excessive Heat Warning Issued Sunday Through Wednesday

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA --- Sweltering heat is expected to grip Southern California, including Riverside County, this weekend and send temperatures soaring up to 20 degrees higher in some areas.

A National Weather Service excessive heat warning is set to run from 11 a.m. Sunday until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

"High temperatures will warm to 4 to 8 degrees above average today, 12 to 18 degrees above average on Sunday, and 15 to 20 degrees above average on Monday," according to the weather service. "This could push the hottest high temperatures on Monday to around 120 in the lower deserts, 112 in the upper deserts and near 110 in the inland valleys."

Forecasters said Monday -- the first day of summer -- will likely be the hottest day. High temperatures are predicted to be 95 to 105 degrees in mountain areas lower than 6,000 feet, in the 90s on higher peaks, 108 to 112 degrees in the upper deserts and 116 to 122 degrees in the lower deserts.

IN PALM DESERT:

The Palm Desert Community Center, at 43-900 San Pablo Ave., will be opening Monday, June 20 as a ”cooling center” from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. and will remain open when a “Heat Warning” is in effect on weekdays only.

The Josyln Center, 73-750 Catalina Way, will also be open Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Senior citizens and disabled citizens are encouraged to utilize the centers. For more information on locations throughout Riverside County and the hours of operations of the centers, go to: www.capriverside.org

Forecasters advised the public to avoid potentially serious heat-related ailments by staying well-hydrated, avoiding unnecessary outdoor labor and checking on neighbors and relatives -- especially those with health conditions and who lack air conditioning.

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

The heat wave is expected to break toward the middle of next week, but forecasters said it could still remain hot in the deserts and on the lower mountain slopes.

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--City News Service contributed to this report/Morguefile image