No End In Sight For RivCo Heat: NWS

RIVERSIDE, CA — Riverside County mountains and valleys remained under an excessive heat warning Sunday evening, with temperatures potentially reaching 105 degrees at elevations below 5,000 feet in the mountains and up to 108 in the valleys.

The National Weather Service's Sunday forecast called for highs of up to 112 degrees in the Coachella Valley, up to 102 degrees in the Riverside County valleys and the Inland Empire and up to 100 degrees in the Riverside County mountains.

The advisory was due to expire at 8 p.m. Sunday.

"Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," NWS forecasters warned. "Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water."

Lightning strikes were reported in the Riverside County deserts Sunday morning.

"[10 AM Radar]: Showers and isolated t-storms continue to move northwestward this morning. Lightning strikes have been reported in the deserts in San Diego County and Riverside County in the past few hours, so please use caution and remember if thunder roars, go indoors," the National Weather Service's San Diego office tweeted.

Forecasters predicted temperatures will continue to increase early in the week with Tuesday and Wednesday listed as the hottest days. On Tuesday, Coachella will reach a high of 115 while Hemet was predicted to hit 104 and downtown Riverside 102.

Early forecasts show temperatures only dropping a few degrees throughout the county heading into next weekend, but remaining in the triple digits, according to the NWS.

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