Heat wave gives way to late-summer thunderstorms as California's extreme weather continues

Scorching temperatures that baked Southern California over Labor Day weekend will continue this week paired with thunderstorms and lightning strikes that will heighten fire risks across much of the state.

A surge of monsoonal moisture, not uncommon during summer months, moved into the state from the southwest desert region early Tuesday, bringing lightning across much of California. Monsoon thunderstorms can trigger dust storms, lightning-sparked wildfires and downpours that result in flooding.

Lightning paired with potential wind gusts of up to 50 mph and high temperatures reaching into the triple digits in some areas will significantly raise fire weather concerns through at least Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Meteorologists tracked between 50 and 100 lightning str