Tropical Storm Mario brings thunderstorms to Southern California forecast

A week of hot afternoons and potential thunderstorms is on tap for much of Southern California this week.

“I am going to say right now, I think we are going to get some really strong thunderstorms by the end of the week … some flooding type thunderstorms,” KTLA Meteorologist Henry DiCarlo said Monday morning.

The thunderstorms are expected to result from a monsoonal flow pattern developing Tuesday and Wednesday that will transport moisture from Tropical Storm Mario into Southern California, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

“A very warm and humid air mass is likely to settle into the region during this period,” the NWS stated.

The best chance of thunderstorms will be in the mountain and desert areas, but forecasters are also calling for the possibility that they will also pop up in the foothills, valleys and along the coast.

Officials warned motorists to be careful when traveling during thunderstorms, as they can cause flooding and gusty, erratic winds. 

“Wednesday night, Thursday and into Friday, there’s the chance of some of these really strong pop-up thunderstorms,” Henry said.

A warming trend will also continue through at least Thursday as high pressure builds over northern Mexico. Temperatures should begin to drop by Friday and continue as we head into the weekend.