Heat Reprieve As Monsoonal Moisture Hits Southwest Riverside County

TEMECULA VALLEY, CA – Excessive heat warnings and advisories expired for Riverside County Monday as monsoonal conditions moved in to start the week, according to the National Weather Service.

Much of Temecula Valley saw light rain Monday midday. That influx of monsoonal moisture was expected in the western parts of Riverside County through Tuesday as yet another warming trend was forecast to arrive later in the week.

With the monsoonal weather, an increase in humidity was expected. That would bring humid but cooler temperatures until midweek, bringing brief relief from the heat wave that gripped the county nearly all of July.

Temperatures will be slightly cooler at the beginning of the week, with some areas dropping under 100 degrees, according to the NWS. Highs in Temecula and Murrieta were expected to reach the low 90s Monday, falling to the high 80s until midweek. Lake Elsinore would remain in the low to mid-90s for much of the week. Beaumont and Banning would see temperatures in the low 90s, as well, also with chances of thunderstorms into Tuesday. The Coachella Valley will be between 104 and 108 degrees, forecasters said.

Though cooler, those temperatures remain dangerous for some groups. Forecasters warn that extreme heat can increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Residents were advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and to never leave children or pets inside vehicles for any length of time.

This week's weather in Temecula:

Monday Afternoon
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 88. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 59.

Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 86.

Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 59.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 90.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 95.

Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 64.

Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 97.