Triple-digit heat expected for Palm Springs area this week, but weekend could offer below normal temperatures

Janet Wilson, Palm Springs Desert Sun
·3 min read
Two desert iguanas find respite from the heat in the shade of a vehicle in Cathedral City, Calif., on June 12, 2022. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the Coachella Valley as temperatures reached triple digits.
Two desert iguanas find respite from the heat in the shade of a vehicle in Cathedral City, Calif., on June 12, 2022. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the Coachella Valley as temperatures reached triple digits.

After record-tying heat dominated the Coachella Valley over the weekend, residents can expect more typical summertime weather this week.

The National Weather Service in San Diego forecasts triple-digit temperatures continuing for the next several days, as is the norm for this time of year, but by the weekend the thermometer might even stay in the 90s.

The normal high for Palm Springs starts out at 103 degrees on Tuesday and warms to 105 degrees by early next week.

The sun is shining more directly overhead as the summer solstice arrives next week, and often "this time of year, we get a big ridge of high pressure ... and that just allows for really warm, really dry and really sunny conditions. so those dry conditions we're experiencing really allow the heat to skyrocket," said meteorologist Elizabeth Schenk with the weather service.

Over the weekend, Palm Springs tied Saturday's record high for the date of 114 degrees set in 2019. Sunday reached 112 degrees, falling a few degrees shy of the 117-degree record for the date set in 1940.

While more record heat is not expected this week, it will still be quite warm and residents and visitors should take precautions, particularly during the heat of the day. Palm Springs reached 103 degrees for Monday's high. The forecast this week calls for a high temperature of 104 degrees on Tuesday, with the hottest day being Thursday with an afternoon high near 110 degrees.

By Saturday and Sunday, temperatures could drop into the upper 90s.

”The season is changing, we’re getting much hotter," Schenk said. "Make sure to emphasize those safety tips. Make sure you’re staying hydrated or inside with loose weight clothing, and all those other tips.”

The weekend readings across the Coachella Valley were just a few of the sizzling temperatures across the U.S. At one point Sunday, heat warnings and advisories were in effect for every location from southern California to central Indiana.

It's so hot you can grill burgers on your dashboard: Historic heat wave sweeps across much of US

Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver and California's Death Valley all posted record temperatures over the weekend as dangerous heat swept the American Southwest.

The National Weather Service in Phoenix reported a temperature of 114, tying the record high for the date set back in 1918.

Las Vegas tied a record for the day set in 1956, with temperatures soaring to 109.  In Colorado, Denver hit 100, tying a record set in 2013 for both the high temperature and the earliest calendar day to reach 100 F.

Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories were issued for parts of Northern California and through the Central Valley.

A major heat wave is expected to continue across the U.S., according to the National Weather Service and other federal agencies. Eric Holthaus with Currently weather news site said the heat wave will peak on Tuesday for most people. The heat index was 110°F+ from Florida to the Carolinas, 105°F+ from Texas to Detroit, and 100°F+ for parts of 26 states. This will be the most intense heat wave for the Carolinas in at least 10 years. Credit NOAA/NWS

Gusty winds that kicked up Sunday afternoon in parts of the desert also continued Monday, prompting a wind advisory into Monday evening for the northern Coachella Valley, including the San Gorgonio Pass, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Edge, portions of Palm Springs, Sky Valley, and Thousand Palms. Winds will blow 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. But the winds are expected to subside for most of the workweek.

Officials warned people to avoid heavy activity outdoors as much as possible in the "dangerously hot" conditions, and to keep themselves and pets hydrated. Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

Other tips from the weather service for the hot, windy weather:

  • Use extra caution when driving, especially if in a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

  • Drink plenty of fluids, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

  • Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

  • Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

  • Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.

  • Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shady spot.

  • Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Two desert iguanas find respite from the heat in the shade of a vehicle in Cathedral City, Calif., on June 12, 2022. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the Coachella Valley as temperatures reached triple digits.
Two desert iguanas find respite from the heat in the shade of a vehicle in Cathedral City, Calif., on June 12, 2022. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the Coachella Valley as temperatures reached triple digits.

Correction: This story was updated to reflect that Saturday's record-tying high was not the warmest temperature in Palm Springs since 2019 but just the warmest temperature on June 11 since 2019.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Janet Wilson is senior environment reporter for The Desert Sun, and co-authors USA Today's Climate Point newsletter. She can be reached at jwilson@gannett.com or @janetwilson66 on Twitter 

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Springs hit 114 degrees on Saturday; next weekend might stay in 90s