A fire weather watch has been issued through Sunday night in much of Riverside County as “dry lightning” and gusty winds will increase the threat of wildfires, the National Weather Service said Saturday.
Critical fire weather conditions are expected in the Riverside County mountains and high deserts, forecasters said, along with a chance of thunderstorms. If lightning strikes, fire starts are possible due to very dry fuel conditions and strong and erratic winds, according to forecasters.
Meanwhile, temperatures were slightly cooler Saturday following a triple-digit heat wave that scorched the region for much of the week.
Saturday temperatures reached a high of 96 in the Riverside metropolitan area, 103 in Palm Springs, 89 in Temecula and 99 in Hemet.
The NWS issued an excessive heat warning in the Coachella Valley effective until 9 p.m. Sunday.
“Highs on Sunday will fall a few degrees compared to Saturday, but increased moisture will result in muggy conditions,” the NWS announced.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an air quality alert due to increased particle pollution from blowing dust in the Coachella Valley. The air quality alert was in effect until at least 11 p.m. Saturday.
City-operated cooling centers remain open at Demuth Community Center, James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center and the Palm Springs Public Library. For more information, residents can visit EngagePalmSprings.com.