Riverside, CA is kicking off Thursday with wall-to-wall sunshine and a high near 91°F — running 5 to 10 degrees above average for early June, according to the National Weather Service. If you’re an early riser, this morning is golden; the afternoon heat in the Inland Empire will be intense. Check the full Riverside weather forecast to stay updated through the week.
Today’s Setup
High pressure aloft is locking in the warmth and keeping skies clear from the Santa Ana River trails to the overlooks at Box Springs Mountain Reserve. West winds will build to 15 mph this afternoon with gusts near 25 mph — enough to feel it, but not enough to break the heat. High near 91°F by mid-afternoon. Tonight drops to a comfortable 61°F with mostly clear skies and light southwest winds.
Best Window To Be Outside
Your sweet spot is 6–9 AM. Fairmount Park, the Riverside Botanic Garden, and the paths along Victoria Avenue will be pleasant before the mercury climbs. Dress smart: a UV protection sun hat is non-negotiable under the June Inland Empire sun, and a lightweight linen shirt will keep you from wilting by 10 AM. For your feet, no show socks bamboo are ideal — breathable and blister-free for longer walks.
Heat Risk
With a 91°F high and low humidity, this is a stay-hydrated, limit-midday-exposure kind of day. Keep the kids cool in the backyard — a kids sprinkler toy turns the afternoon into a water party and keeps everyone out of trouble during the hottest hours. If you’re tending the garden, run a soaker hose for garden beds in the early morning to cut down on evaporation loss once temps spike.
What To Wear Or Bring
- UV protection sun hat — skip it and you’ll regret it by 11 AM
- Lightweight linen shirt for breathability in the dry heat
- No show socks bamboo for cool, comfortable feet on any outing
- Water bottle (minimum 32 oz), sunscreen SPF 50+
Next Few Days
Friday delivers a near-carbon copy: sunny, high near 91°F, northwest winds with gusts up to 25 mph. The National Weather Service notes that high pressure begins to weaken Friday afternoon as a low-pressure system approaches the West Coast — and that’s good news for weekend plans.
Saturday and Sunday bring meaningful cooling, a deepening marine layer, and morning clouds spreading into the valleys. By Sunday, highs dip a few degrees below average. One heads-up for anyone heading to Big Bear or out toward Joshua Tree this weekend: southwest-to-west winds on Friday and Saturday could gust 30 to 40 mph in the mountains and desert passes. Check conditions before you go.
This cooling window is also a solid preview of Father’s Day weekend. Tonight’s comfortable 61°F evening is perfect for a backyard corn hole game set and some casual outdoor time before the big holiday. A Father’s Day grilling set makes a great gift — and the weekend cool-down gives you ideal grilling weather to break it in.
For dinner tonight, keep it simple and kitchen-friendly: a quick pasta primavera or veggie stir-fry won’t heat up the house. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Also worth a look this week: the 2-Person Intex Float with Built-In Cooler for just $24 — squeeze in one more float day before temps cool off for good. For more ways to gear up, browse our outdoor gear deals.
