Coachella Valley prepares for potential rain this weekend
The chance for rain is in the forecast and the Coachella Valley has to prepare now more than ever.
Restaurants are putting up tents and installing space heaters for their outdoor patios. Coronavirus has made outdoor-only operations the new norm for businesses, activities and community gatherings here in Riverside County, making weather a main factor in people’s plans.
“It’s kind of nice to be outside working out again. I normally run, but it’s been actually hot so no running for me outdoors, but with the rain coming, we’ll see what happens,” said Joel Magallanes, Coachella Valley resident and EOS Fitness member.
EOS Fitness in Palm Desert moved its equipment out into the parking lot to create an outdoor gym for members like Magallanes. He said despite the weather, he can find ways to get his workout in.
“We do what we gotta do,” he said.
Southwest Church in Indian Wells is planning to welcome church-goers back to campus this weekend for the first time since the pandemic began.
“If weather messes it up this weekend then we’re going to push for it again next weekend. All season long we’re going to push to be together as safely as we can and as often as we can,” said Tim Kuhl, Southwest's Executive Pastor.
Kuhl said the church plans to make a decision about Saturday night’s service in the afternoon that day and a decision about Sunday’s services the night before.
“The trick, right, is let’s push it as far as we can, still hoping to be able to meet on campus. But still also give ourselves enough time to get the word out if we can’t,” he said.
The wind was already starting to pick up outside Southwest Church in Indian Wells on Friday afternoon, where Southwest was setting up for church on the lawn this weekend. But, like many in the community, Southwest Church has had to keep a closer eye on the forecast.
“If we've got weather that’s so bad that it’ll damage the gear or put people in an uncomfortable position we will fall right back to church at home,” Kuhl said.
