An excessive heat warning was issued Thursday morning for Riverside County as a heat wave expanding from the east through California brought above-normal temperatures and an increased risk of fire.
The Riverside County warning, indicating heat that can lead to illness, is expected to continue into the weekend. Excessive heat watches will go into effect Friday for a widespread area of Southern California, with the Inland Empire expected to have temperatures ranging from 105 degrees to 110 degrees and the Low Desert from 112 degrees to 116 degrees.
The Inland Empire to the Temecula Valley are expected to have the hottest air and nighttime temperatures will likely be in the high 80s. Coastal areas can expect temperatures in the high 70s and mid-80s.
Highs were expected to be in the low 90s in downtown L.A. and the low 100s in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys.
The high temperatures combined with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms increases the risk of fires. No immediate red flag warnings were expected, given the absence of strong winds and exceedingly low humidity, forecasters said.
SoCal residents are advised to limit their time outdoors, hydrate properly, check on elders and never leave children or animals in vehicles.
