When bracing for 120 degrees, it’s all about the water.

Drinking it, splashing in it to stay cool, and drinking it some more. A lot more.

That’s what officials were urging and residents were planning Friday as a potentially record-shattering heat wave started enveloping the Southwest United States, threatening to bring temperatures of more than 120 degrees to parts of Arizona and California next week.

Officials warned of excessive heat across southern portions of Arizona and Nevada, and throughout the 450-mile length of California’s Central Valley. Pictured is Monday’s forecast. Sunday’s forecast is pictured, when the heat wave kicks off

A man runs through the desert at sunrise, Friday, June 16, 2017, in Phoenix. A record heat wave is rolling into Arizona, Nevada and California, threatening to bring 120-degree temperatures to Phoenix by early next week

People in places like Palm Springs and Phoenix are used to seriously high temperatures, but 120 degrees becomes all the talk around the water cooler. And with the health dangers of heat and dehydration, that’s where authorities hope they keep coming back.

Teresa Flores in Phoenix said she will make sure her two sons and daughter stay hydrated.

‘Water, water, water, water,’ Flores said. ‘So even when they think they’re not thirsty, they’re drinking water.’

A couple runs through section of South Mountain Park at sunrise to avoid the excessive heat, Friday, June 16, 2017 in Phoenix. Authorities issued a warning about the heat wave, urging people to keep hydrated

Officials warned of excessive heat across southern portions of Arizona and Nevada, and throughout the 450-mile length of California’s Central Valley

Jennifer Vollmann brought her 2-year-old daughter to a public pool in downtown Phoenix, where the temperature hit 108 Thursday. With 121 degrees predicted Tuesday, ‘we’ll be here, she’ll be in the pool,’ Vollmann said as her daughter ate a blue ice pop.

Strong high pressure building over Western states is bringing the hot onslaught.

Officials warned of excessive heat across southern portions of Arizona and Nevada, and throughout the 450-mile length of California’s Central Valley. Almost the entire Golden State was predicted to simmer above normal temperatures, easing just short of the coast.

Strong high pressure building over Western states is bringing the hot onslaught

With up to 122 on the horizon, Palm Springs will have cooling centers in community centers and libraries, and Phoenix and nonprofit groups are planning water stations to help the homeless and others.

Palm Springs has soared above 120 several times, most recently hitting 122 on June 29, 2013……..more here