SoCal is steaming up as a heatwave engulfs the region, with temperatures climbing well above average for this time of year. The National Weather Service in San Diego reports that the heat from high pressure aloft is expected to peak today and Friday, with high temperatures soaring as much as 15 to 20 degrees above the norm for parts of the valleys and inland coastal areas. NWS San Diego details spell out highs for inland valleys hitting a sweltering 104 to 112 degrees, while lower deserts sizzle at 114 to 120 degrees, prompting widespread extreme HeatRisk warnings for Friday.
But there's a fraction of relief in sight as monsoonal moisture makes its comeback over the weekend, promising inland cooling and a chance of showers and thunderstorms. You heard right—Saturday and Sunday could bring thunderous reprieve to the arid mountains, deserts, and inland valleys. The area forecast discussion from NWS notes that daytime cooling on Saturday will be followed by greater chances for measurable rainfall, with the probabilities for areas like Big Bear gradually inching upward.
Despite the heat turning down a few notches by Saturday, conditions are still forecasted to be a few degrees cooler than Friday, especially for the lower deserts, where temperatures range from 108 to 114 degrees. However, the existing high-temperature records from the scorching heat wave 2020 are anticipated to remain as new highs struggle to surpass those markers. While the records for high temperatures may stand, overnight warmth could still set new records throughout the weekend.
As the weekend warriors brace for the heat, coastal residents can still hope for that typical California haze, as any night and morning coastal low clouds will likely be sparse and cling close to the immediate coast. As per NWS Marine, the marine conditions remain nonthreatening through the start of the week, save for some northwest wind gusts in the outer waters. So, if cooling off on the high seas is your escapade of choice, the odds are in your favor, at least in terms of marine weather.
The Excessive Heat Warning may need an extension through Sunday for many valley and inland areas. As the week progresses, a slight but steady cooling is welcomed, with temperatures still hovering 5 to 10 degrees above average by Tuesday. With these predictions, locals and visitors are best advised to find respite in the cooler evenings, hydrate profusely, and brace for the thunderous-turn-moderately-cooler weekend ahead.
