A long-running heat wave that has baked Southern California for weeks is finally showing signs of easing as a strong high-pressure ridge begins to weaken. The National Weather Service said Wednesday that temperatures are expected to start dropping on Monday and continue cooling into Tuesday.
For the rest of this week and through the weekend, however, dangerous heat will continue, especially inland and in desert areas away from the coast. Forecasters said coastal areas will stay relatively mild, while temperatures climb sharply farther inland.
An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through Saturday evening for desert areas in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, including Palmdale, Lancaster and Victorville, where afternoon highs are expected to range from 100 to 110 degrees. A Heat Advisory is also in effect through Saturday evening for parts of the Inland Empire, including Riverside, Ontario and Big Bear Lake, with highs expected in the mid-90s to around 105 degrees.
Monsoon moisture moving into the region is expected to raise humidity, making it feel even hotter. The weather service said the cooling trend early next week should finally bring relief as the heat alerts are gradually lifted.
