Thunderstorms Possible In Coachella Valley To Mark Start Of Summer

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — Just in time to welcome the first day of summer, temperatures rose across Southern California on Tuesday, with many regions experiencing muggy temperatures upward of 90 degrees, weather service officials reported.

Possible thunderstorms were also on the horizon for some areas on Wednesday, but forecasters said the storms, which could include dry lightning, would offer little precipitation to quell the state’s severe drought.

"Rainfall totals will be minimal from the setup this week," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr.

Wherever rain falls, it is likely to be less than 0.25 of an inch and may only amount to a few hundredths of an inch, according AccuWeather.

The National Weather Service is reporting a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms after 11 p.m. Tuesday in the Coachella Valley, with a 40 percent chance on Wednesday.

Along with the brief monsoonal weather, the potential for fire danger was expected to rise Tuesday night through Wednesday across Riverside County, the National Weather Service said.

In the Coachella Valley, temperatures will continue in the high 100s for the rest of the week, according to AccuWeather.

As usual during heat waves, forecasters urged people to drink plenty of fluids, seek out air-conditioned spaces and check in on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.

"Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," according to the NWS. "Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes."

—City News Service contributed to this report.