The Inland Empire is back in the oven. The National Weather Service has an Extreme Heat Warning in effect for San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys through Sunday, August 2, with highs running 98–108°F across Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Moreno Valley — and up to 116°F out toward the Coachella Valley. (NWS San Diego via KESQ; CBS News LA)
This isn’t a “grab your sunglasses” kind of heat wave. It’s the kind that sends people to the ER. Here’s what’s actually true, what to watch for, and where to go if your home can’t keep up.
Why this heat wave is more than uncomfortable
Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the country, and California isn’t exempt. State data tied to just seven major heat events between 2013 and 2022 found nearly 460 deaths, more than 5,000 hospitalizations, and roughly 344 adverse birth outcomes statewide. (CA Dept. of Insurance report, via Gov.ca.gov) Most of that harm is preventable — it comes down to knowing the signs early and getting to a cooler space before it becomes an emergency.
Know the warning signs: heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke
The CDC breaks it down clearly, and the difference matters because one of these is a 911 call. (CDC – Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illness)
Heat exhaustion — heavy sweating, cold/clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, fast but weak pulse. Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, sip water, apply cool cloths. If it doesn’t improve within an hour, seek medical care.
Heat stroke (medical emergency — call 911) — body temperature of 103°F or higher, hot/red/dry or damp skin, fast strong pulse, confusion, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness. While waiting for help: move the person to shade or AC, and cool them rapidly with wet cloths or a cool bath. Do not give fluids to someone who is confused or unconscious.
Who’s most at risk
Older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, people who are unhoused, and anyone without reliable air conditioning face the highest risk. (CDC – Protect Yourself From Extreme Heat) If you have an elderly neighbor or relative living alone, a phone call or knock on the door during a warning like this one genuinely saves lives.
Check your personal risk by zip code
California now runs CalHeatScore, the first statewide heat-health ranking tool in the country. Enter your zip code and get a daily 0–4 risk score built from local weather and health data, plus links to nearby cooling resources. Worth bookmarking before the next warning, not during it. (CalHeatScore.CalEPA.ca.gov; OEHHA press release)
How to actually stay safe
Southern California Edison and the CDC line up on the basics — the boring advice is the advice that works: (Edison – How to Stay Safe During High Heat; CDC extreme heat guidance)
- Drink water on a schedule — don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Skip the alcohol and go easy on caffeine.
- Wear light-colored, loose, breathable clothing (cotton beats synthetics).
- Push outdoor work or exercise to early morning or after sunset.
- Don’t over-crank the AC during peak demand hours (typically 4–9 p.m.) — it strains the grid and raises outage risk right when you need power most.
- Never leave kids or pets in a parked car, even briefly, even with windows cracked. Car interiors can climb 20°F in ten minutes.
- Check in on elderly neighbors and relatives, especially those living alone or without AC.
If the power goes out
Heat waves and grid strain go together, and SCE does run Public Safety Power Shutoffs in high-risk conditions. Have a plan before it happens: a battery-powered radio, flashlights, backup medication supply, and a cooler with ice packs. During an outage, move to the coolest interior room, away from direct sun, and check SCE’s outage map for restoration updates. (SCE Outage Center; SCE – Public Safety Power Shutoff)
Don’t forget the pets
Pets can’t regulate heat the way we do — dogs especially, since they cool mainly through panting. Keep them off hot asphalt (if it’s too hot for your bare hand for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for paws), make sure they have shade and water at all times, and never leave them in a car or an uninsulated garage. (SCE heat & pet safety guidance)
Where to cool off in San Bernardino County
If your home can’t keep up with this warning, you have options close by:
- Dial 2-1-1 (or 800-436-9997, or text your zip code to 898211) for the current, verified list of open cooling centers, hours, and transportation help. Available 24/7. (211sb.org)
- See our full breakdown of locations, hours, and what to bring: Cooling Centers in San Bernardino County
- City of San Bernardino community centers, senior centers, and libraries also serve as designated cooling spaces during advisories. (City of San Bernardino)
Quick answers (FAQ)
Is there a heat warning in the Inland Empire right now? Yes. As of late July 2026, the National Weather Service has an Extreme Heat Warning active for San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys through the evening of Sunday, August 2, with highs up to 108°F in the valleys.
What temperature counts as heat stroke? A body temperature of 103°F or higher, combined with hot/red skin, confusion, or loss of consciousness, indicates heat stroke. It’s a medical emergency — call 911 immediately.
Where’s the nearest cooling center to me in San Bernardino County? Call or text 2-1-1 (211sb.org) for the current, real-time list, or check our cooling centers guide.
How do I know my personal heat risk today? Enter your zip code at CalHeatScore.CalEPA.ca.gov for a daily 0–4 risk score specific to your area.
Can pets get heat stroke too? Yes — dogs and cats are both at risk, and dogs especially since they cool mainly through panting rather than sweating. Never leave a pet in a parked car or an uninsulated space.
Evolve:Lyfe connects Inland Empire residents to the local resources that keep them safe — because nobody should have to ride out a heat wave alone. If you or someone you know needs help finding cooling resources, housing, or other support, take our Community Survey and we’ll help connect you.