80 Degrees: Riverside County Sees Heat Return After Weekend Rain

Residents in Riverside County saw the weekend's rain give way to sunshine on Sunday, marking the start of a warmer stretch for the region. The National Weather Service reported that the area would remain dry for the rest of the week, with daily highs running slightly below normal levels before climbing further.

Sunday's temperatures varied by location. The downtown Riverside area hit 68 degrees Fahrenheit, while Temecula reached 65 and Hemet stayed at 65. In the desert, Coachella and Palm Springs recorded higher marks, reaching 75 degrees.

The forecast calls for a consistent increase in heat starting Monday. Downtown Riverside, Temecula, and Hemet are expected to reach highs of 74 to 75 degrees. The desert communities of Coachella and Palm Springs will see temperatures hit 80 degrees on the same day. From Tuesday through Thursday, these patterns will hold, with inland valleys staying in the mid-70s and the desert in the low 80s.

By Friday, the warm trend continues. The downtown Riverside area, along with Temecula and Hemet, will reach the upper 70s. The Coachella Valley and Palm Springs will maintain lows in the 80s. Overnight temperatures will stay cool, ranging from the low to mid-50s in the inland valleys and the upper 50s to low 60s in the desert.

The heat is expected to build as the week progresses toward the next weekend. Western parts of the county are forecast to reach the low 80s. Meanwhile, the Coachella Valley is projected to climb to the mid-80s by that time.