Already warm temperatures across much of Southern California are expected to explode into possible record highs later in the week.
The warming trend will occur throughout the week with the heat peaking on Friday, as highs climb near or above 100 degrees across the deserts and warmest valleys, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
“There is an increasing chance — 30% to 40% — of Friday’s highs approaching or breaking calendar daytime record(s) across some valley and desert areas,” the NWS said in its Tuesday forecast discussion.
Some areas with the greatest chance of breaking record highs will be in Paso Robles, Ojai, Palmdale and Lancaster.
KTLA’s 7-Day outlook for the Inland Empire shows afternoon highs in the 90s by Thursday and reaching 100 degrees on Friday.
Temperatures closer to the coast will remain closer to normal, at least early in the week.
Air quality further inland is already taking a hit on Tuesday, with Rancho Cucamonga expected to be in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category.
A significant drop in temperatures is expected to arrive on Sunday and continue through Monday.