Sticky Skies Ahead: Desert Humidity Climbing Despite Below-Average Heat

Coachella Valley residents were treated to mostly sunny skies and slightly below-average heat today, with a high of 105 degrees—just a few ticks under the seasonal norm of 108. That’s well below the record 120 degrees set back in 1998, and something locals are more than happy to miss.

But even with temperatures backing off a bit, it might not feel any cooler out there. That’s because humidity is creeping into the forecast. A combination of high pressure to the east and a low-pressure system currently hovering off the coast of central Baja is drawing moisture into the region. That added humidity is making for stickier-than-usual conditions across the desert floor.

At this hour, temperatures were hovering around 104 in Thousand Palms, 103 in Indio, and a bit cooler in the high desert with readings in the 90s. Overnight lows are expected to remain consistent, with high 70s to low 80s across the valley.

Winds have also played a role today, with gusts reaching into the 30-mile-per-hour range in some spots, especially around Palm Springs. Drivers navigating through areas like Desert Hot Springs, Whitewater, and the 10 or 62 freeways should be prepared for gusty travel conditions through the evening. The good news: wind speeds will ease as we head toward the weekend.

Cloud cover will start to increase Thursday and Friday, bringing some cumulus clouds to the mountains and possibly even a quick sprinkle. Models show a weak cell passing over the San Bernardino Mountains Thursday morning, but it’s expected to move out just as quickly as it arrives. Rain totals will be minimal to none.

As we look ahead, the forecast calls for temperatures to hover around the 100-degree mark on Thursday and Friday—still below average. But by Saturday, we return to more seasonal conditions, meaning the mid to upper 100s will once again dominate our desert days.

So while we may be spared from the triple-digit extremes for now, prepare for a bit of discomfort—because that dry desert heat is starting to feel a lot more humid.

Humidity on the Rise: Muggy Conditions Creep into the Desert Despite Cooler Temps