Temecula Faces Chance Of Thunderstorms As Heat Wave Persists

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

In Temecula, the high was expected to crack 98 degrees on Friday and 96 degrees on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms were possible. The rest of the day was predicted to be mostly sunny with winds potentially pushing up to 20 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

READ MORE: Where To Cool Off In Temecula During This Week's Major Heat Wave

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

With stronger winds possible, officials are urging residents to be on high alert for wildfires, according to the National Weather Service.

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 of the 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.''