Extreme heat and high humidity levels are in the forecast this week when some parts of Southern California could see rain or thunderstorms.
The highest potential for storms due to a system ushering increased humidity into Southern California this week will be in mountain and desert communities. Sprinkles are possible Monday in other areas as monsoonal conditions blanket the region.
“Added moisture will increase our chance for storms in the deserts and mountains, and we can’t rule out stray shower in the Inland Empire,” said NBCLA meteorologist Belen De Leon.
Highs will be around 94 degrees with a chance of rain Monday in the valleys and Inland Empire. A high of 98 is in the forecast for high desert communities, where there’s a chance of thunderstorms. Thunderstorms also are possible in the mountains, where highs will be in the upper 70s.
Expect highs around 75 on the coast, and 85 in the Los Angeles basin and inland Orange County.
The threat of thunderstorms will subside later Monday, but humidity levels will remain high.
An extreme heat watch was issued for this week in parts of Riverside County, where temperatures will soar well above 100 degrees. Temperatures are expected to peak around midweek.
The extreme heat watch will be in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday to at least 8 p.m. Thursday in the areas of Riverside, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, Moreno Valley, Corona, the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, Temecula and Hemet due to hot and humid conditions, according to the National Weather Service.