Warm Weather Continues with Calm Winds, But Santa Ana Winds Expected Over the Weekend

As we settle further into January, residents in the Coachella Valley are noticing lighter evenings and mild temperatures. Today’s high reached 72°F, a bit above average for this time of year, with temperatures currently sitting at 65°F in Palm Springs. Calmer winds from the southeast at 4 miles per hour have provided some relief from the gusty conditions seen earlier in the week.

Up in Big Bear, excitement is building as locals and nature watchers continue their "egg watch" for the area’s famous bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow. While it's unclear whether the eagle currently nesting is Jackie or Shadow, the pair has been spotted bringing fish to each other and staying close to the nest. Experts expect eggs to appear any week now, adding an extra layer of anticipation for the wildlife community.

As for the weather, conditions will remain dry for the foreseeable future, with humidity staying extremely low. Overnight temperatures will dip into the 30s in some areas, with a particularly chilly 25°F expected in Big Bear. Despite these cold nights, warmer temperatures are forecasted to return during the day, especially on Saturday when highs are expected to stay in the 70s.

However, residents can expect another round of Santa Ana winds by Sunday and Monday. This weather pattern, driven by a high-pressure system to the west and a low-pressure system to the east, will tighten the pressure gradient and bring gusty winds, along with dry conditions. Unfortunately, there’s no rainfall expected in the immediate future, with the forecast remaining clear but windy.

Looking ahead, temperatures will fluctuate throughout the week, with highs in the 70s on Saturday and again by Wednesday. The dry conditions will persist, and while temperatures will cool slightly on Sunday and Monday, they’ll climb back up into the 70s by mid-week. As we continue monitoring the situation, it’s a great time to enjoy the clear skies and, for those in Big Bear, to keep an eye on the upcoming eagle eggs.