Flood Watch Issued as Rain Moves Into Coachella Valley

The Coachella Valley is preparing for a wet stretch of weather, with a flood watch in place from Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon. NBC Palm Springs meteorologist Pablo Alsina says rain is expected to begin late Tuesday evening, becoming more widespread overnight and into Wednesday morning.

While skies may look threatening throughout the day, rainfall is not expected until around 11 p.m. Tuesday. Forecast models estimate between one and one-and-a-half inches of rain could fall between Tuesday and Friday, raising concerns about flooding, particularly in areas near the mountains where runoff can occur quickly.

A high wind warning is also in effect for Big Bear, prompting officials to urge caution for travelers and residents in higher elevations. Temperatures have cooled below seasonal averages, with Palm Springs reaching just 62 degrees — marking the first below-normal day after more than three weeks of above-average warmth.

Rain chances continue through Christmas Day, with the heaviest rainfall expected late Tuesday night into Wednesday. Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware and monitor updates as conditions develop.