Muggy monsoon air moves out as the valley and high desert cool below average

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) The stickiest air of the week is on its way out. Dew points climbed near 70 degrees overnight, but drier air pushes in from the west today and humidity gradually drops through the next 48 hours.

An isolated storm or two could still fire this afternoon, mainly over the mountains and the high desert. Otherwise, expect plenty of sunshine with a valley high near 104 and a west breeze gusting to around 20 mph.

The bigger change arrives Thursday. Highs dip to right around 100, several degrees below average for mid-August, and stay below normal through the weekend.

One thing to watch: winds strengthen through the San Gorgonio Pass late this week, with gusts near 60 mph possible. Blowing dust could reduce visibility along I-10, so give yourself extra room on the road.

Enjoy the break from the heat. It doesn't happen often in August!