Forecast high temperatures across Southern California on Thursday, March 19, show widespread triple-digit heat inland, including near 100 degrees in the Inland Empire. (National Weather Service San Diego)
REDLANDS, Calif. — A prolonged early-season heat wave is pushing temperatures in Redlands into the upper 90s and low 100s this week, with forecasters warning of record-breaking heat across the Inland Empire.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Friday, forecasting highs between the upper 90s and 102 degrees in the San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys, including Redlands.
Forecast maps show temperatures nearing 100 degrees across the Inland Empire by Thursday, with the most intense heat concentrated inland.
In nearby Riverside, where official climate records are tracked, high temperature records were already broken earlier this week. The city reached 98 degrees on March 18, surpassing the previous record of 93 degrees set in 1914. On March 19, temperatures climbed to 101 degrees, breaking the previous record of 98 degrees set in 1997.
The back-to-back record highs underscore the intensity of the early-season heat wave across the Inland Empire.
Temperatures are expected to run roughly 20 to 30 degrees above normal for mid-March, when average highs are typically in the 70s.
The National Weather Service estimates a 60–69% chance of breaking monthly temperature records in Riverside later this week.
The National Weather Service estimates a 60–69% chance of breaking monthly temperature records in Riverside later this week. (National Weather Service San Diego)
Forecasters said the duration of the heat wave increases the risk of heat-related illness, particularly as residents have not yet acclimated to summer-like conditions. Overnight lows in the 60s are expected to provide limited relief.
The advisory urges residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure and check on vulnerable neighbors. Officials also warned never to leave children or pets in unattended vehicles, where temperatures can become deadly within minutes.
The city of Redlands designates the Joslyn Senior Center and the Joe R. Gonzales Community Center as cooling centers during hot weather. At least one of the facilities is typically open during the hottest part of the day, officials said.
The Gonzales Community Center (111 W. Lugonia Ave.) is open:
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 2–9 p.m.
Tuesday: 1–9 p.m.
Friday: 2–7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Joslyn Senior Center (21 Grant St.) is open:
Tuesday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Both locations provide air-conditioned space, activities and access to bottled water or refill stations. The centers are closed on Sundays and holidays.
The National Weather Service said “daily max temperature records will likely be broken for many locations” as temperatures climb into the upper 90s and low 100s across the Inland Empire this week.
A former broadcast news producer, Stephanie launched CFR in 2023. Originally from Michigan, she’s made Redlands home with her husband and three kids. When she’s not reporting, she’s problem-solving at the climbing gym or trying new local restaurants.
