Triple digit heat projected for today and tomorrow

RIVERSIDE - A dry and very hot start to the work week was expected in Riverside County and the Coachella Valley today, with forecasters projecting triple-digit temperatures throughout much of the region. Temecula is expected to reach 104 degrees both today and tomorrow with some cooling into the 90s on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and further into the 80s by Sunday.

High temperatures today will be 100 to 108 in the inland valleys, 85 to 103 in mountain areas below 6,000 feet, and 70 to 90 above 6,000 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

''High pressure aloft over California will bring hot days through Tuesday, with weak offshore flow bringing the hottest weather (today),'' according to an National Weather Service (NWS) advisory.

The agency warned that hot and dry conditions will increase the potential for wildfire.

Record breaking heat has fire crews on alertTripl

A lingering high-pressure system and weak offshore flow are expected to push temperatures up countywide today and throughout the weekend, peaking on Monday.

''This is our hottest time of year,'' said National Weather Service

meteorologist Joe Dandrea. ''We get these heat episodes quite a bit.'' Though temperature records are not forecasted to be set over the next couple days, Dandrea said Monday will be the hottest day with near-record

temperatures likely, adding Tuesday ''will still be quite warm.'' Expect low-to mid-80s along the coast and 97 to 102 degrees in the inland valleys, Dandrea said.

The meteorologist said very dry fuels combined with windy conditions are presenting ''an elevated wildfire danger in the back country.''

Cal Fire Capt. Mike Mohler agreed. He said elevated temperatures coupled with extremely dry conditions has wildland fire crews fully staffed and on alert.

Mohler said prevailing weather conditions are such that a red flag warning, issued by the National Weather Service whenever high temperatures, low humidity and an offshore flow combine to create extreme fire danger, is

possible the next couple days.

''I doubt we'll see it today because of the leftovers from Miriam,'' he said. That dying hurricane off Mexico's Baja California peninsula may cause some clouds and higher humidity in San Diego, he said.

''But we could see either a fire watch or a fire warning between tomorrow and Wednesday.''

Very hot conditions will develop over Southern California later this weekend and early next week, as a strong ridge of high pressure builds over California. Daytime temperatures will range between 10 and 20 degrees above normal for this time of year, with some areas pushing 25 degrees above normal. This includes coastal areas normal kept cooler by the marine layer.

Although Monday and Tuesday will likely be the hottest days...record breaking heat will be possible from Sunday through Wednesday.

Orange County Coastal Areas-San Diego County Coastal Areas-San Bernardino And Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire-San Diego County Valleys-

Excessive heat watch in effect from Sunday morning through Wednesday afternoon.

The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued an excessive heat watch, which is in effect from Sunday morning through Wednesday afternoon.

* Daytime temperatures

Beaches to a few miles inland........................85 to 95

San Diego county valleys and Inland Orange County....95 to 105

Inland Empire........................................100 to 110

* Impacts-several days of record or near-record breaking heat followed by warm nights can limit the body’s ability to keep cool. Conditions such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration are possible, especially if engaging in strenuous outdoor activities. Pets are susceptible to this heat as well.

This weather could be deadly for unprepared campers or hikers.

Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.

Precautionary/preparedness actions

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.