Hurricane Expected To Break Riverside County Heat Wave

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A tropical storm brewing off the Pacific coast of Baja California has prompted reason for optimism but also some concern in Riverside County.

Hurricane Kay is expected to break the heat wave that's searing the region and it may tame ongoing wildfires, but the storm is predicted to bring wind and flooding.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center reported Kay was expected to drench the Baja California peninsula and portions of mainland northwestern Mexico on Thursday. The hurricane was forecast to arrive in Southern California Friday night and into Saturday, but by then will fizzle to a tropical storm, according to the NHC.

Still, the National Weather Service predicts Kay will bring "heavy rain" and some thunderstorms across Riverside County. A flood watch will be in effect starting Friday afternoon in portions of the county, including the Coachella Valley, the local mountains and the San Gorgonio Pass Area near Banning, according to the NWS.

"Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible," according to the NWS's weekend forecast for Riverside County. "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations."

An excessive heat warning remains in effect through 8 p.m. Friday across the county, but as Kay moves in temperatures are forecast to plummet — with daytime highs Saturday dropping more than 20 degrees across the region, including the Coachella Valley where the mercury is expected to hit just 86 over the weekend.

All of this might be good news for firefighters who are battling the Fairview blaze and other brushers, but wind is forecast with Kay's arrival. A high wind watch will be in effect Friday morning through the evening across western Riverside County, according to the NWS.

Related story: Local Emergency Proclaimed By Riverside County Due To Fairview Fire

Kay could give Southwest Riverside County residents a break from unhealthy air quality levels. The Fairview fire has generated smoke and ash that's impacted portions of the region, prompting health officials to urge residents to take precautions.

“Residents in the San Jacinto Valley, Temecula, Murrieta and Menifee areas, along with portions of Lake Elsinore Valley need to be aware of the risks of breathing unhealthy air and take steps to keep safe,” Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Riverside County public health officer, said Tuesday.

A smoke and ash advisory was in effect Wednesday because of the Fairview fire, which ignited Monday afternoon and has charred more than 7,000 acres east and south of Hemet.