Heat Wave To Peak Today: Be Careful Out There!

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA -- Today is expected to be the hottest day of the region's heatwave, which already has pushed temperatures into the triple digits in portions of Riverside County and set records in several locales.

High temperatures that broke records Sunday were 94 degrees in Idyllwild, 118 degrees in Indio, 118 degrees in Palm Springs, 111 degrees in Riverside and 119 degrees in Thermal, according to the National Weather Service.

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

In the forecast for today -- the first day of summer -- were highs of 109 to 114 degrees in the valleys around Riverside, 99 to 106 degrees in the mountains, 115 to 120 degrees along the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning and 116 to 121 degrees in the Coachella Valley.

>>>SEE WEATHER FORECAST FOR LAKE ELSINORE and WILDOMAR<<<

Temperatures are expected to lower somewhat Tuesday and Wednesday. Forecasters said high temperatures on Tuesday would fall to 84 to 94 degrees in the valleys, and on Wednesday would range from 108 to 115 degrees in the lower deserts, 99 to 107 in the upper deserts, and in the 80s or 90s in the mountains.

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.

• Also see: Best Tips For Protecting Your Children’s Skin This Summer

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 the week, but forecasters said it could still remain hot in the deserts and on the lower mountain slopes.

>>>CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO COOLING CENTERS<<<

--City News Service/Shutterstock image