Scorching SoCal Heat Wave To Give Way To Dramatic Temperature Drop

LOS ANGELES, CA — A short, but scorching heat wave will peak in Southern California Thursday, only to make way for a drastic drop in temperatures of almost 20 degrees coming into the weekend in some areas.

Temperatures on Thursday are forecast to be in the low 90s in Los Angeles and Inland Orange County while the deserts of Riverside County will top 100 degrees. The short-lived heat wave will peak Thursday before dropping dramatically moving into the weekend, National Weather Service forecasters said.

"October is a month where there is always a high variety of weather," NWS San Diego spokesperson said Mark Moede.

The drastic shifts are due to a weaker marine layer over the coast with a weak flow pattern that isn't moving inland, Moede said.

According to the seven-day forecast by the National Weather Service, temperatures will reach a high of 103 degrees in Palm Springs Thursday before dropping 21 degrees to a high of 82 by Monday. In Northridge, the daytime high is forecast to be 99 Thursday before dipping to 80 on Sunday. Mission Viejo will remain under a heat advisory Thursday reaching the 90s before dropping to the low 70s by Monday. Temecula will also remain under a heat advisory as the mercury climbs to 95 degrees Thursday before plummeting to a high of 67 degrees Monday, according to the weather service's forecast.

Coastal areas like San Diego, Newport Beach and Manhattan Beach will experience much milder temperatures throughout the week staying in the mid-80s to low 70s.

San Diego is expected to reach the mid 80s Thursday before dropping to the upper 60s by Monday. Temperatures in Newport beach are expected to peak at 77 Thursday before dropping to the upper 60s on Monday.

"This is definitely the time of year for drastic temperature fluctuation," NWS LA spokesperson

Officials cautioned residents against engaging in any strenuous activities outdoors during the hottest parts of the day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NWS officials said people might be underprepared to deal with hotter temperatures, which could lead more easily to heat exhaustion and heat strokes. Officials urged people to stay hydrated.