Temecula could see highs near 98 degrees Saturday and Saturday, Oct. 3-4, as a late-September heat wave pushes temperatures well above normal across the Inland Empire.

The National Weather Service point forecast for Temecula, updated Monday, Sept. 28, projects a sharp climb starting Thursday, Oct. 1. Tuesday's high sits near 86 degrees, Wednesday near 88 degrees. Thursday jumps to 94 degrees. Friday hits 97 degrees, and both Saturday and Sunday reach 98 degrees.

Overnight temperatures follow the same pattern. Monday night's low settles near 57 degrees, and Tuesday night drops to about 60 degrees. By Thursday night, the low rises to 66 degrees. Friday night brings a low near 69 degrees, Saturday night about 70 degrees and Sunday night about 71 degrees.

Those warm overnights are the forecast's most unusual feature. The NWS said several records for warm low temperatures could be tied or broken Friday through Sunday, particularly in coastal and valley locations. Weekend highs could run 12 to 18 degrees above average for the coast and valleys, according to the agency.

A high-pressure system dropping out of the Great Basin of Nevada and Utah will drive the heat starting Thursday, Patch reported, citing the NWS. Through Wednesday, lingering effects from Tropical Storm Odalys and Hurricane Polo near the Baja Mexico Peninsula will keep conditions milder, mostly in San Diego County.

The broader Riverside metropolitan area faces even hotter conditions. NWS forecasters project highs at or just above 100 degrees Friday through Sunday in Riverside, with overnight lows in the low 70s.

No formal heat advisory or excessive heat warning had been issued for the Temecula Valley as of Monday afternoon.

The NWS recommends drinking three to four cups of water every hour during heat exposure. The agency also advises avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events, according to the NWS.

Riverside County's Cool Centers are open to the public. The Community Action Partnership of Riverside County maintains a directory of locations in English and Spanish, along with an interactive map. Residents can also sign up for Riverside County emergency alerts to receive notifications about heat and other hazards.