Rain Arrives in the Coachella Valley Tonight With Cooler Temps Ahead

Overcast skies and much cooler conditions are moving into the Coachella Valley as a new storm system approaches Southern California. While today’s high typically reaches the upper 70s this time of year, temperatures will remain well below normal, falling into the upper 60s and lower 70s across the region. Winds will increase from the west as the pressure gradient tightens ahead of the incoming low.

Satellite imagery shows thickening midlevel clouds building toward the region. Although radar remains clear for now, rain showers and thunderstorms are steadily progressing across the coast and Inland Empire tonight. Most of the valley will stay dry through the early evening, but light showers may reach the west end before midnight.

The majority of the rainfall is expected after midnight tonight and into Friday morning, continuing through midday before tapering off into early Saturday. Forecast models indicate that the valley could see up to a half-inch of rain, with heavier totals likely to the northwest. By early morning Friday, projected rainfall includes around 0.33 inches in central areas and just under 0.30 inches in the southeast valley.

Snow levels will drop to near 6,000 feet by Friday morning, bringing up to 13 inches of new snow to Snow Summit and additional accumulation near the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. A winter storm warning is in effect above 6,500 feet from late this afternoon through Friday.

High temperatures will struggle to reach the upper 50s and low 60s Friday as clouds and rain dominate the region. The system begins to exit the area early Saturday, with conditions clearing by afternoon and temperatures gradually rebounding through the weekend.

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