When Southern California sees the end of the “mini heatwave” on Friday, about 100 miles of inland Coachella doors are open in potentially record-breaking heat.
Indio’s annual high, where the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is held, is expected to reach around 102 degrees on Friday.
Still, the high temperatures predicted on Friday are expected to mark the hottest day of the music festival, which will be held twice in a row over the weekend from Friday to Sunday. Lady Gaga and Missy Elliott are among the performers scheduled for Friday.
In nearby Palm Springs, temperatures are expected to rise to around 103 or 104 degrees Friday, breaking the 1990 101 degrees record. Both Indio Spring and Palm Spring forecasts on Saturday drop slightly to 98 degrees.
“We’re going to see a downward trend in temperatures throughout most of next week. It doesn’t look like we’ll break into records at this point next weekend. Things will still be normal or around,” said Sam Zuber, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego.
Zuber emphasized that those enjoying the festival while Friday peaks should take precautions to stay safe in the heat throughout the event. She said some people tend to underestimate the arid heat in the desert, highlighting the importance of maintaining hydration.
On the festival’s website, organizers said there are plenty of shaded structures and possibly mist tents available at previous festivals. Participants are encouraged to bring empty non-metal water bottles that can be refilled free of charge at the water station. Sunglasses, visors, hats and sunscreen can be purchased at festival venues.
For those staying in the LA area over the weekend, temperatures drop slightly from their weekly highs.
Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, said Angelenos could expect similar cooling patterns closer to the coast.
Many areas will see low clouds and patchy fog in the mornings and evenings over the weekend and next week.
On Monday afternoon, Schoenfeld said light showers could affect high-occurrence areas. While there is little chance of a mountain thunderstorm that was isolated on Tuesday night on Monday night, Schoenfeld said it is unlikely to affect more populous areas of the mountain.
Long-term forecasts suggest that Southern California may continue to see warm, dry weather in the coming weeks.
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