Rain and Cooler Temps Expected as Storm System Approaches Coachella Valley

Clouds are thickening over the Coachella Valley as an approaching storm system brings rain, gusty winds, and cooler temperatures to the region. While today remains relatively calm with highs in the low 70s, conditions will shift tonight as the system pushes in from the west.

Rain is expected to begin late tonight, with the heaviest showers staying west of the valley. In the Coachella Valley, hit-or-miss light showers are likely through Thursday, tapering off by Friday morning. Higher elevations will see snow, with levels dropping from 8,500 feet this afternoon to 4,000 feet by Thursday evening. Local mountains could see significant snowfall, with up to 10 inches possible at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and around five inches in Idyllwild. A winter storm warning is in effect for elevations above 4,000 feet from tonight through Friday morning.

Winds will also become an issue, especially in wind-prone areas like the San Gorgonio Pass and Desert Hot Springs. A wind advisory is in effect through early Friday, with gusty onshore winds expected throughout Thursday.

Temperatures will drop significantly, with Palm Springs only reaching 62 degrees on Thursday before conditions clear up on Friday. Expect a return to normal highs in the low 70s heading into the weekend.

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