Thunderstorms, Lightning In Forecast: SW Riverside County

SOUTHWEST RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A strong high pressure system over the southwest states is forecast to bring scattered thunderstorms to portions of the Inland Empire Tuesday and Wednesday — mainly between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

The chance of precipitation in Southwest Riverside County is 20 percent Tuesday evening, according to forecasters, but lightning and strong gusty winds in the area are the primary hazards, the NWS reported.

Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding were reported in the Hemet area Tuesday afternoon, and flash flood warnings are in effect, including the the Apple Fire burn area.

Wind gusts are expected to reach 20-25 mph, while hot, humid conditions persist through the week. Relief from the scorching heat is not expected to arrive until the weekend in most Inland Empire areas, according to the NWS.

An excessive heat warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday across the county.

At least a slight chance for thunderstorms will continue each afternoon through the weekend, mainly for the mountains and high deserts. An influx of moisture from the south could increase the thunderstorm chances on Friday and Saturday, the NWS said.

Amid the heat and monsoonal conditions, the NWS urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Also, young children, seniors and pets should be never be left unattended in a vehicle, with car interiors able to "reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes," according to the NWS.

High temperatures Tuesday are forecast to reach 114 in the Coachella Valley, 113 in the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, 110 in Hemet, 111 in Riverside, 109 in Lake Elsinore, 108 in Murrieta, 105 in Temecula and 93 in Idyllwild.

Highs in the Coachella Valley are forecast to remain around 115 through Thursday, then drop to 110 on Saturday, according to the NWS.

Idyllwild set a high temperature record for an August 17th on Monday, while San Jacinto tied its mark of 109 from 1986, according to the NWS. Idyllwild reached 98 on Monday, besting its previous record of 95 degrees in 1950.

Riverside County has 14 cooling centers available countywide with mandatory mask wearing and social distancing protocols in place. A full list of the cooling center locations can be found here.

—City News Service contributed to this report.