Cooler Weather and Rain Coming to Coachella Valley This Weekend

After a few days of above-normal temperatures in the Coachella Valley, with highs reaching into the mid-70s, a shift in the weather pattern is expected this weekend. Today, temperatures will be near normal, with a high around 71°F in Palm Springs and low 70s in Palm Desert. Big Bear is currently at 52°F, while Desert Hot Springs sits at 61°F. Winds will remain light today, but that will change slightly tomorrow as a low-pressure system approaches from the north.

Southern California has been experiencing dry conditions, but that is set to change this weekend. High cloud cover is already moving in, and while it won't bring any immediate rain, it signals the arrival of a new weather system. Temperatures today will reach the upper 60s to low 70s in the Coachella Valley under mostly sunny skies with some high clouds. Winds will pick up in the wind-prone areas like San Gorgonio Pass and Desert Hot Springs late in the day Saturday, with sustained winds reaching 30 mph. For the most part, though, winds will remain light across the valley.

Starting Saturday, the low-pressure system will move into Southern California, bringing cooler temperatures and a chance for rain. The system will bring onshore flow, which will increase humidity and bring hit-and-miss showers from Sunday to early Tuesday. The Coachella Valley could see up to three-tenths of an inch of rain by Tuesday, with snow levels beginning at 5,000 feet and gradually lowering to 3,800 feet by Tuesday morning.

Mountain areas such as Idyllwild and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway could see significant snowfall, with up to 8 inches expected. A winter storm warning is in effect for areas above 4,000 feet. The storm is expected to cool temperatures significantly, with highs in the valley dropping to the low 60s on Sunday and Monday, with Palm Springs reaching just 62°F on Sunday.

The weekend will bring some much-needed rain, particularly for areas still grappling with wildfire conditions. The cooler, wetter weather is a welcome change, and temperatures will start to warm up again by mid-week, with sunny skies and highs in the low 70s by Thursday.

Forecast Highlights:

Today (Thursday): Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s, mostly sunny with high clouds.
Saturday: Partly cloudy skies, highs in the upper 60s.
Sunday & Monday: Chance of rain, highs in the low to mid-60s.
Tuesday: Continued rain, highs in the low 60s.
Mountain areas: Winter storm warning, snow expected above 4,000 feet, with up to 8 inches at the tram.
By Thursday: Sunny skies with highs back in the low 70s.