SOUTHLAND – (INT) – A summer monsoon surge is keeping skies partly cloudy. The heat is dropping out of the triple digit range in most areas except for the deserts.

Isolated afternoon and early evening thundershowers will be confined mostly to the mountains, but could stir up some blowing dust in the deserts.

Night and morning clouds will cling to the coastal areas.

Showers eased the heat in the Coachella Valley Friday. Just over one-quarter-of-an-inch of rain was measured in Palm Springs.

There have been few days of intense heat this season, but forecaster Rob Krohn in Riverside reminds us that summer is just getting in gear.

“Temperatures should ease back a little this weekend, but are still far above normal.”

Night and morning clouds will cling to the coastal areas.

Cool centers are open throughout the Inland Empire and into the Coachella Valley.

Cool centers in the city of Riverside:

Janet Goeske Senior Center (Sierra Street)
Dales Senior Center (White Park)
La Sierra Senior Center (La Sierra Park)
Arlanza Community Center (Bryant Park)
Cesar Chavez Community Center (Bobby Bonds Park)
Joyce Jackson Community Center (Nichols Park)
La Sierra Community Center (La Sierra Park)
Orange Terrace Community Center (Orange Terrace Park)
Renck Community Center (Hunt Park)
Ruth Lewis Community Center (Reid Park)
Stratton Community Center (Bordwell Park)
Arlington Library (Hunt Park)
Arlanza Library (Philbin Avenue)
Casa Blanca Library (Madison Street)
Eastside Library (Chicago Avenue)
La Sierra Library (La Sierra Avenue)
Main Library (Mission Inn Avenue)
Marcy Library (Magnolia Avenue)
Orange Terrace Library (Orange Terrace Parkway)

Tips to prevent heat exhaustion:

Stay cool

Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
Find an air-conditioned Cooling Center open to the public by dialing the United Way’s toll-free resource telephone line at 2-1-1, or online at www.coolingsb.org
Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.


Stay hydrated

Drink more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working
Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.

Story Date: July 26, 2014