Southern California Forecast: Scorching Heat and Thunderstorms to Hit San Diego Region

Temperatures along the coast and in the valleys are expected to stay 10 to 15 degrees above average.Photo byNWS

As temperatures remain well above average, residents across Southern California should brace for continued heat and the possibility of thunderstorms through Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Temperatures along the coast and in the valleys are expected to stay 10 to 15 degrees above average, while the mountains and deserts will see highs 5 to 10 degrees above average. With a ridge of high pressure suppressing the marine layer, cooler air has been unable to penetrate inland, keeping the region in a heatwave.

In addition to the heat, showers and thunderstorms are forecasted from the valleys to the deserts, with the heaviest rainfall expected in the mountains. Rainfall rates could range from 0.50 to 0.75 inches per hour, with some localized areas seeing up to 1 inch per hour. Thunderstorms could also bring erratic gusty winds and frequent lightning, creating the potential for flash flooding, especially in mountain areas.