Triple-digit temps expected to bake the Victor Valley

After dealing with high temperatures in the 90s, the Victor Valley is expected to experience at least a week of consecutive 100 degree-plus days.

An excessive heat wave is expected to begin Tuesday and possibly last beyond early next week, according to the National Weather Service.

High temperatures across the Victor Valley should range between 100 and 112 degrees, with Friday being the hottest day of the period.

Among the highs, Victorville is expected to reach 112, Adelanto and Apple Valley 111 and Hesperia 110.

High temperatures in Barstow and Las Vegas will range from 110 to 114 degrees, while Joshua Tree National Park will experience temps from 104 to 112.

The San Bernardino and Riverside areas will see high temperatures between 98 to 104 degrees, while Orange County will experience temps from 85 to 90.

Those wanting to escape the excessive heat might want to travel to the mountains, where Big Bear Lake will have high temperatures from 84 to 90 degrees. Wrightwood will experience temperatures ranging from 87 to 92.

Death Valley

During this week’s heat wave, Death Valley National Park is expected to range from 114 to 122 degrees, far from the record high 134 degrees earmarked by the U.S. Weather Bureau at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913.

Summer temperatures in Death Valley often top 120 degrees in the shade with overnight lows dipping into the 90s, park officials stated.

Extreme heat in Death Valley traditionally draws many overseas tourists, experienced travelers and adventure seekers, according to media outlets.

More than 1.1 million people annually visit Death Valley, which sits over a portion of the California-Nevada border west of Las Vegas. About one-fifth of the visitors come in June, July and August, according to the Associated Press.

Last July, Death Valley National Park officials reported two heat-related deaths among the army of tourists who visited the park.

National Park Service officials said visitors should minimize time outside in the heat, do not hike after 10 a.m., and drink plenty of water.

Park rangers are encouraging people to sightsee short distances from their air-conditioned cars. Additionally, to hike in the park's cooler mountains, and avoid hiking at low elevations after 10 a.m.

Park visitors should drink at least one gallon of water per day to replace loss from sweat, more if you are active. Be aware of balancing fluid and electrolyte levels. Also, carry extra drinking water in your car in case of emergency.

Travelers should be traveled prepared to survive by staying on paved roads in summer. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes.

Visitors should watch for signs of health trouble: If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink water or sports drinks. Dampen clothing to lower body temperature. Be alert for symptoms in others.

In case of emergency, park visitors should call 911 from any telephone or cell phone. Cell phones may not work in many parts of the park. Do not depend on them.

San Bernardino County safety tips

Amid soaring temperatures, San Bernardino County Health Officer Dr. Michael Sequeira emphasizes the importance of taking steps to keep cool and hydrated.

“Extreme heat can pose serious health risks,” Sequeira said. “The elderly and people with chronic disease, especially involving the heart and lungs, have a much lower tolerance for the harmful effects of heat. It’s crucial to take preventive measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illnesses.”

County officials shared a variety of tips to stay cool, including:

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
• Find an air-conditioned cool location open to the public by visiting San Bernardino County Cool Places to Go or by dialing the United Way’s toll-free resource telephone line at 211.
• Seniors can also take advantage of the Senior Information and Assistance Hotline at 800-510-2020.
• Do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day. Avoid direct sunlight and stay in shaded areas when possible.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to lower body temperature.
• Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.
• Never leave infants or children, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are open.
• Stay hydrated by drinking more water than usual and don’t wait until thirst sets in.
• Consume two to four cups of water every hour while working outside.
• Avoid liquids containing high amounts of sugar, caffeine and alcohol.
• Make sure family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.
• Provide extra water to your pets.
• Bring pets inside during periods of extreme heat.
• Ensure pets have plenty of shade if you decide to keep them outside.
• Remember, the shade pets enjoy in the morning will either change or diminish as the sun moves throughout the day and could potentially leave them unprotected.
• Don’t force animals to exercise when it’s hot and humid. Take your pets for a walk early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Keep pets off sidewalks and hot asphalt to avoid paw burns. Never leave pets in a parked vehicle. Even in the shade with windows cracked, temperatures can reach over 120 degrees inside.

For more information on how to stay safe when experiencing extreme heat and to find cool places near you, visit prepare.sbcounty.gov.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz