Winds Pick Up as Coachella Valley Warms Toward 80s

Coachella Valley residents woke up to partly cloudy skies today, but those clouds will gradually clear as we head into the afternoon. While yesterday’s overcast skies kept temperatures well below normal—topping out at just 60°F—today, we’ll see a return to more seasonable conditions, with highs climbing into the low 70s.

Winds Increase Across the Region

The biggest weather factor today? Winds. Gusts are already picking up out of the west, with speeds reaching 18 mph in Whitewater, 20 mph in Thousand Palms, and 23 mph in Yucca Valley. Stronger gusts are expected into the late afternoon and evening, particularly through the San Gorgonio Pass, where winds could reach 50 mph at times.

A Wind Advisory is in effect for the Coachella Valley, San Gorgonio Pass, and surrounding mountains until tomorrow morning. A Wind Warning has also been issued for the San Bernardino Mountains, where conditions will be especially gusty.

Rain Totals & Drying Trend

While no additional rain is expected over the Coachella Valley today, yesterday’s storm brought impressive rainfall totals, particularly in the western valley, where amounts ranged from half an inch to an inch. The southeast valley saw up to two-thirds of an inch in some spots. The storm system is now moving out, leaving behind a breezy onshore flow.

By Saturday, winds will shift out of the north, ushering in drier conditions and helping relative humidity levels drop to around 30%.

Weekend Outlook: Warmer Days Ahead

Temperatures will gradually climb as we move into the weekend:

• Saturday: Highs in the mid-70s, with mostly sunny skies.

• Sunday: Similar conditions, with high clouds and a high near 77°F.

• Monday: The warm-up continues, with upper 70s to low 80s, including a forecasted 79°F in Palm Springs and 80°F in Cathedral City.

The Comfort Air 7-Day Forecast shows temperatures staying in the upper 70s into midweek, with breezy onshore winds continuing.

Stay tuned to NBC Palm Springs for the latest weather updates!