Cold Weather Moves In For Coachella Weekend

High winds and much colder temperatures are in store for the Coachella Valley, according to the National Weather Service.

A high wind warning goes into effect at midnight Thursday and stretches until 5 a.m. on Saturday.

A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect on Friday at 3 a.m. and will last until 5 a.m. on Saturday.

The warning comes as a second storm system moves into the area, bringing colder temperatures, wind and rain into the Palm Springs area.

Snow will become heavy at times Friday morning in the San Jacinto and San Bernardino mountains and spread to the east and south through the afternoon, according to a statement by the NWS.

“Snow levels around 5,000 feet will lower to 4,000 feet Friday afternoon and evening. The lowest snow levels down to 3,000 to 3,500 feet will occur Friday night and early Saturday,” the bulletin read.

Snowfall rates of over one inch-per-hour could begin as early as Friday morning and strong winds will also accompany snowfall and create near whiteout conditions at times.

On the valley floor, rain was expected accompanied with the high winds, just in time for the annual Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio.

Stay with us for the latest on the Southern California storm system.