INLAND EMPIRE - (INT) - Advisories are being elevated to warnings as the year's first heat wave threatens to become the longest and most intense of the year.

Health officials are not holding back on the potential consequences.

San Bernardino County Health Officer Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare said the recent cool weather could cause some people to be caught off guard, especially those most susceptible to heat illness. “Those most vulnerable are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and people with chronic medical conditions,” Dr. Ohikhuare warned.

Adding to health concerns, the Air Quality Management District advised that levels of ground-level ozone – the predominant summertime pollutant – are likely to reach the Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy stage in the Inland Empire's Metro area, the San Bernardino Mountains, the Santa Clarita Valley, the San Gabriel Mountains, portions of the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.

Some will find relief at 'cooling centers' opening throughout the Inland Empire including Fontana, Redlands and Palm Springs.

Story Date: June 22, 2017