Portions of the Coachella Valley may experience isolated thunderstorms this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. With an upper-level low-pressure system over the eastern part of Southern California, rain is currently being observed to the west as the system circulates.
Meteorologist Sebastian Westerink indicated that surrounding mountain areas might see showers and potential thunderstorms beginning Friday afternoon, though the chance of rain in the Coachella Valley itself remains low initially. The mountain regions could continue to experience scattered showers overnight, with storm activity expected to increase on Saturday. Between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., the valley has a 50 to 60% chance of rain, primarily in the form of isolated thunderstorms. In some areas, these storms might deposit up to half an inch of rain, potentially causing minor flash flooding due to the concentrated nature of the downpours.
The likelihood of stronger and more widespread thunderstorms is higher in the mountains, where up to an inch of rain could fall in areas. On Friday, a flood watch was issued by the National Weather Service, applicable to mountain areas in Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino counties, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. While the Coachella Valley is not directly included in this watch, Westerink noted that it could still experience flooding impacts.
The inclement weather is projected to clear up by late Saturday night, with sunny weather and temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s persisting until next Thursday. This precipitation comes in addition to what has already been a notably wet September for the region. As of Friday afternoon, Palm Springs International Airport reported 0.64 inches of rain in September, surpassing the average monthly rainfall of 0.24 inches.
Such weather events may provide a welcome respite to a region that often experiences arid conditions, though residents are urged to remain cautious due to possible flash floods and inclement weather conditions.