Santa Ana Winds to Ramp Up, Bringing Gusty Conditions and Cooler Temps to Coachella Valley

Partly cloudy skies are currently over the Coachella Valley, with some dark clouds rolling through the area. Earlier today, light rain showers made their way across the region, with a few sprinkles observed around Palm Springs, Thermal, and the airport where the president has landed. These showers are starting to dissipate, and the rain is expected to end by the afternoon.

As the rain clears, the focus shifts to the strong Santa Ana winds sweeping through Southern California. The gusty winds, which have already reached 32 mph in Yucca Valley, will intensify overnight, with the strongest gusts expected late tonight through tomorrow morning. Areas like Banning are already seeing gusts of up to 38 mph, while the Coachella Valley is experiencing winds around 20 mph.

The winds are part of a system moving through the area, which is also bringing cooler temperatures. Currently, temperatures are in the 50s in Yucca Valley and middle 60s in the valley, with a slower-than-usual warm-up due to the cloud cover. Highs today are expected to reach the low 70s, and overnight lows will be a bit higher than usual, with mid to upper 50s expected in the valley.

The Santa Ana winds will continue to dry out the region, with the relative humidity dropping into single digits by tomorrow and Thursday. The winds are expected to be strongest in the Little San Bernardino Mountains, as well as along and north of I-10, including Desert Hot Springs and parts of the high desert. These winds could reach sustained speeds in the low 30s tomorrow, with gusts exceeding 40 mph in some areas.

A High Wind Warning is in effect through Wednesday for the high desert and parts of the Inland Empire, including the San Bernardino Mountains. In addition, a Red Flag Warning has been issued for areas with very low humidity and high fire risk, which includes the San Gorgonio Pass and surrounding mountains. An Air Quality Alert is also in effect through Thursday for these areas due to dust and particulate matter.

By Thursday, the winds will begin to taper off, but they will remain gusty in Desert Hot Springs, where winds could reach up to 30 mph. Temperatures will remain in the low 70s today and tomorrow, with clearing skies expected on Thursday, and sunshine in the forecast for the weekend.