Wind, Chance of Thunderstorms Forecast for Region

Rumblings were expected in the mountain areas of Riverside County as well as the Coachella Valley today as summer thunderstorms threaten the region, but the storm clouds also brought a cooling to valley areas.

A high temperature near 96 degrees was expected in Murrieta, down from triple-digits that were previously forecast for the area.

"Increasing moisture and instability will generate thunderstorms over the mountains and deserts during the day today," according to a National Weather Service advisory. "Deep layer moisture will be sufficient for locally heavy rain, leading to the potential for excessive runoff in normally dry creeks and streams."

A 30 percent chance showers and thunderstorms was forecast for Murrieta this evening, with a low of 67 degrees.

A flash flood watch for local mountains was scheduled from 11 a.m. through this evening.

The Coachella Valley also was subject to an excessive heat warning today. Just before 7:40 a.m., the warning was canceled by the Weather Service.

"Excessive cloud cover and rainfall today and tonight will lower the threat of excessive heat occurring over the desert regions," an agency advisory read.

The Weather Service also issued a wind warning for the Inland Empire and mountains areas until 2 p.m. During the wind warning period, those areas will be subject to east wind gusting 35 to 50 miles per hour, according to the NWS.

"Wind this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles," an advisory said. "Use extra caution."

For a complete seven-day forecast for Murrieta, click here.

—Maggie Avants contributed to this report.