Sunny skies will greet visitors at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival in Indio this weekend before a winter storm arrives in the the Coachella Valley on Monday Feb. 16, according to the National Weather Service.
Showers are likely by late Monday morning on the Presidents’ Day holiday, with the chance of rain reaching 80% during the day and a quarter- to half-inch possible. Gusty winds are also expected Monday as the storm moves in, and rain is forecast to continue into the evening, when the likelihood rises to about 90%.
Periods of rain may continue through the end of the week before gradually tapering off, leaving only a slight chance of lingering showers by Thursday and drier conditions by Friday.
Rainfall totals early in the week are projected to range from three-tenths of an inch to three-quarters of an inch. Some areas near the San Gorgonio Pass, however, could receive higher amounts. Heavier rain in the northern Coachella Valley could lead to higher water levels along the Whitewater Rive rand flooding at some low-water crossings.
At least 12 inches of snow could fall near 6,500 feet in the San Bernardino and Riverside County mountains from Monday through early Wednesday, which could cause dangerous road conditions and possible power outages.
For those hoping to enjoy a little sweater weather and snow-capped mountain views, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway could see snow Monday and Tuesday — a good spot to take in some wintry views from above the desert.
Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Winter storm to bring rain and gusty winds to Coachella Valley
Reporting by Jennifer Cortez, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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