Heatwaves are about to hit SoCal, and the mercury seems to be looking to break from its leash. According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, a warming trend kicking off Monday through Thursday will see the deserts suffering under scorching temperatures, reaching up to 110 degrees by midweek. The coast, though, will cling to some reprieve with the persistent marine layer keeping the tops at the upper 60s to the low 70s.
High temperatures will start cranking up the heat in the region's inland areas, with the valleys hitting mid to upper 70s, the Inland Empire experiencing low to mid 80s on Monday, and then gradually piercing into the mid 80s to low 90s by midweek. The National Weather Service reports a "moderate heat risk developing in the deserts," meaning residents should brace for an intense hot spell, with the High Desert getting a taste of mid to upper 90s temperatures.
As if those scorching daytime temperatures weren't enough, the cool off when the sun dips behind the horizon is not coming to the rescue this time. With the "marine layer is expected through the upcoming week" the night and morning might offer little relief, with "night and morning low clouds will continue west of the mountains this week," according to the NWS forecast discussion. Yet, as the temperatures continue their climb, Southern Californians are advised to seek shade and hydration in earnest.
Besides the soaring temperatures, the winds are also picking up the pace. The mountains and deserts will witness gusts ripping through at up to 40 knots from late afternoon to early morning, affecting areas including through and near San Gorgonio Pass. The National Weather Service warns for "West winds gusting up to 40 kt" and notes that moderate turbulence and wind shear are also making themselves known in the aviation sector.
For the mariners out there, breathe a sigh of relief because despite the land boiling over, no hazardous conditions are expected to roil the waters through Thursday. Still, Skywarn, the National Weather Service's volunteer spotting program, is not requesting activation but urges weather spotters to report significant conditions — a call to arms for the community to keep a watchful eye on what the sky might hold.
