Palm Desert Faces Chance Of Thunderstorms As Heat Wave Persists

PALM DESERT, CA — Swaths of Riverside County are bracing for another day of triple-digit heat Friday as the summer’s most “significant” heatwave continues, now accompanied by a forecast of thunderstorms, showers and high winds.

In Palm Desert, a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms was forecast on Friday. The rest of the day was predicted to be mostly sunny with a high near 111 with heat index values as high as 115 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

READ MORE: Where To Cool Off In Palm Desert During This Week's Dangerous Heat Wave

By nightfall, a 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms was expected, according to the weather service.

On Saturday, a similar forecast was possible after 11 a.m. The highest temperature of the day was expected to crack 109 degrees with a 40 percent chance of rain.

The chance for rain and thunderstorms continues Sunday through Thursday of next week.

Communities should take precautions to avoid heat illness, prevent wildfires, and be prepared to evacuate.

''Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out ofthe sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,'' according to a statement from the NWS. ''Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.''