Riverside–San Bernardino is looking at sunny skies and a comfortable 77°F today, but don’t get too comfortable—the National Weather Service is tracking a substantial warming trend that will push inland valley temperatures into the upper 80s and low 90s by Friday, with dangerous heat arriving by Monday.
Today’s Setup
Wednesday will be mostly sunny with highs near 77°F and west winds between 0 and 15 mph, gusting up to 25 mph. Overnight, temperatures will dip to around 54°F under clear skies. It’s a pleasant day to be outside—great for a round at one of the region’s golf courses or a family outing to San Bernardino National Forest. If you’re heading to Angel Stadium to catch the Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago White Sox on May 6, you’ll have ideal gameday conditions: sunny skies, light winds, and cool evening temps perfect for tailgating. Grab a Los Angeles Angels jersey or Los Angeles Angels fitted cap to show your support, and you can Get tickets on SeatGeek or Find tickets on StubHub.
Thursday & Friday: The Heat Ramps Up
Thursday will be noticeably warmer, with highs climbing to 86°F under sunny skies. The warming accelerates Friday, when the National Weather Service expects inland areas to reach the mid-80s to lower 90s—8 to 12 degrees above average. The lower deserts could see 102 to 106°F. The Area Forecast Discussion notes that coastal areas will remain cooler due to marine layer and onshore flow, but inland communities from Riverside to San Bernardino will feel the full force of the warming trend.
Major Heat Risk Arrives Monday
The real story unfolds over the weekend and into early next week. High pressure is strengthening aloft, and the National Weather Service is forecasting a major Heat Risk for the lower deserts and moderate Heat Risk for the Inland Empire peaking around Monday. Temperatures could run 12 to 18 degrees above average for the mountains, deserts, and far inland valleys. If you’re planning a weekend trip to Joshua Tree or Big Bear, be prepared for significant heat at lower elevations.
What To Bring & How To Stay Safe
With temperatures climbing into dangerous territory by Monday, hydration is critical. Keep an insulated water jug 1 gallon in your vehicle and refill frequently. If you’re grilling this week—and the weather is perfect for it—fire up your propane gas grill while evening temps are still manageable. For longer outdoor projects, start early and finish by mid-afternoon. Those with respiratory sensitivities should monitor air quality alerts; the heat and high pressure can trap pollutants. A saline sinus rinse Neti pot kit can help manage spring allergies as pollen counts rise with the warming.
Next Few Days
Expect mostly clear skies through the weekend with steady warming. By the time the Los Angeles Dodgers face the Atlanta Braves on May 9 at Dodger Stadium, afternoon highs will be well into the upper 80s. Plan accordingly for outdoor activities, and stay tuned to the National Weather Service for any heat advisories that may be issued early next week.
For dinner tonight, a simple grilled pasta or stir-fry pairs perfectly with the pleasant 77-degree weather. You can order groceries on Amazon to stock up on fresh vegetables and your favorite proteins—keep meals light as temperatures climb through the week.
