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According to the National Weather Service, it is hottest in the desert areas, where an excessive heat warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Friday. During the warning period, high temperatures in the deserts will be between 111 and 119 degrees, the agency advised.

"The combinations of the hot days along with warm nights can result in very oppressive conditions, in which the body cannot recover as quickly," a NWS advisory said.

"Conditions like heat stroke or heat exhaustion are possible, especially if engaging in strenuous activities. Pets are also susceptible to this heat as well."

The agency warned that the heat could be deadly for unprepared campers or hikers.

Daytime temperatures in the deserts and mountains are up to 15 degrees warmer than normal at this time of the year, according to the Weather Service.

"Overnight temperatures will also remain quite warm," according to a Weather Service advisory.

There's also a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in mountain areas Thursday afternoon.

Near the foothills, highs are expected to reach between 97 and 102 degrees Thursday.

In coastal and western valleys today, temperatures are expected to be up to 10 degrees above normal for this time of year. The Weather Service forecast highs in the mid-70s to high 80s along the coast and high 80s to low 90s in the western valleys.

"A minor cooling trend will begin this weekend west of the mountains," a NWS advisory read. "However, it will remain very hot in the deserts Saturday and Sunday."