Heat wave, thunderstorms expected to begin this weekend in the High Desert

After nearly a week of high temperatures in the 90s, things are expected to heat up this weekend in the High Desert.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning beginning Saturday morning for parts of Southern California, including the Victor Valley.

Through Wednesday, high temperatures in places like Apple Valley, Victorville and Adelanto will range between 100 to 104 degrees, while Barstow sizzles between 105 to 109, the National Weather Service reported.

The thermometers in the Coachella Valley should read 107 to 115, the Inland Empire 98 to 106, and the San Bernardino Mountains in the 80s to 90s.

Thunderstorms, with rain, strong winds and possibly lightning, are expected to roll into the High Desert on Thursday and Friday afternoons.

The long-range weather forecast shows the heat wave stretching beyond Wednesday.

Car safety

National Weather Service officials on Thursday posted an online reminder that it is “never safe” to leave a toddler, child, the disabled, or a pet locked in a car, even in the winter.

Vehicles should be locked to prevent children or adults from entering and being locked inside.

The Department of Meteorology and Climate Science at San Jose State University revealed that 982 children have died in hot cars due to pediatric vehicular heatstroke since 1998.

An examination of media reports showed pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths from the following circumstances:

• 52.17% - Forgotten by caregiver
• 24.48% - Gained access to a vehicle on their own
• 20.66% - Knowingly left by caregiver
• 2.69% - Unknown

The National Safety Council offers an online training module Children in Hot Cars for more information.

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