Riverside and San Bernardino start Wednesday sunny with a high near 97°F and light west wind, but the National Weather Service says this is just the warm-up act — Thursday jumps to a high near 104°F with a heat index near 105, so front-load your outdoor plans and save the afternoon for shade.
Today’s Setup
Expect sunny skies all day with a west wind 0 to 10 mph, gusting to 20 mph, and virtually no rain chance (2%). Overnight lows only dip to around 72°F, so the house won’t cool off much before sunrise.
Best Window To Be Outside
The NWS forecast discussion notes high pressure aloft is strengthening into the weekend, pushing Inland Empire highs 5 to 10 degrees above average by Thursday and Friday. Morning through late morning is your window — get the golf round, dog walk, or yard work done before 10 or 11 a.m. If you’re teeing off early, a golf bag stand lightweight makes carrying easier in the heat.
Heat Risk Building Toward Thursday
Thursday’s heat index near 105°F is no joke for the Inland Empire, and forecasters expect overnight lows to stay unusually warm — mid-70s — through Friday and Saturday, with some records possibly tied for warm overnight temperatures. Hydrate often, check on elderly neighbors, and avoid strenuous outdoor work during peak afternoon hours.
What To Wear Or Bring
Light, breathable layers and sun protection are a must. If you’re near a pool this week, a women’s swimsuit and a slip and slide for the kids are easy ways to beat the afternoon heat at home.
Tonight’s Ballgame And This Week’s Concert
The Los Angeles Angels host the St. Louis Cardinals tonight at Angel Stadium — sunny and warm at first pitch, cooling into the 70s late. Gear up with a Los Angeles Angels jersey or Los Angeles Angels fitted cap, and grab tickets on StubHub if you’re headed out. Closer to home, Imagine Dragons plays Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland Thursday night — read our full concert preview for details, snag tickets on SeatGeek, and rep the night with an Imagine Dragons t-shirt or Imagine Dragons hoodie.
Tonight’s Dinner
With highs like these, it’s grilling weather through the evening once the sun drops. Burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken with corn on the cob are the move — check doneness with an instant-read meat thermometer and keep a grill brush and scraper set handy for cleanup. Want to switch it up? Our smoke tri-tip like brisket guide shows a $10 hack worth trying this week. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Thursday’s the day to brace for — sunny, 104°F, heat index 105. Friday stays similarly hot with warm overnight lows continuing into Saturday, per the NWS, before high pressure eases and temperatures cool a few degrees each day into Monday and Tuesday. For more heat-beating gear, check out our outdoor deals, including a floating lounge that’s perfect for cooling off this weekend.
