Cooler Temps Ahead as Light Rain Moves Out and Winds Pick Up Across the Coachella Valley

A low-pressure system that lingered over Southern California for several days brought steady rain earlier in the week, but today’s totals were much lighter across the Coachella Valley, with most areas seeing only about a tenth of an inch. Humidity remained noticeable at around 50 percent, adding some heaviness to the air despite the cooler temperatures.

Winds will become the bigger weather story heading into the middle of the week. A weak Santa Ana pattern will move in, producing stronger gusts that could reach up to 30 miles per hour in wind-prone areas such as Whitewater by Tuesday. As the system shifts east, temperatures in the valley will gradually begin to rise.

Meanwhile, higher elevations are already experiencing winter-like conditions. Big Bear reached the upper 30s this afternoon, while Idyllwild topped out at 46 degrees. Joshua Tree hit a daytime high of 53 degrees. On the valley floor, Palm Springs and surrounding cities saw highs in the mid to upper 60s.

With a busy travel season beginning, many out-of-state visitors are escaping colder conditions. For comparison, Denver recorded 59 degrees today, Dallas reached 66, Minneapolis hit 53, Seattle sat in the mid-50s, and Vancouver and Calgary were both in the mid to high 40s.

Tonight’s lows will be chilly, especially in mountain communities. Big Bear is expected to drop to 26 degrees, Joshua Tree to 42, and Palm Springs to around 54 degrees.

Tomorrow morning will begin cool, with mid-50s at sunrise. By 10 a.m., temperatures reach the mid-60s, and by midday we sit just under 70 degrees. Coastal conditions remain steady, with two- to three-foot waves reported along Orange County beaches.

Looking ahead to the seven-day forecast, temperatures will rise gradually into the workweek, bringing sunshine and pleasant conditions. Thanksgiving Day is expected to come in just under 80 degrees.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.