Thunder, lightning in Palm Springs forecast

Rumblings are expected in the Palm Springs, Coachella Valley and mountain areas of Riverside County today as summer thunderstorms threaten the region, but the storm clouds also brought a cooling to valley areas.

“Increasing moisture and instability will generate thunderstorms over the mountains and deserts during the day today,” according to a National
Weather Service advisory. “Deep layer moisture will be sufficient for locally heavy rain, leading to the potential for excessive runoff in normally dry creeks and streams.”

A flash flood watch for local mountains and Coachella Valley is scheduled from 11 a.m. through this evening.

The Coachella Valley also was subject to an excessive heat warning today. Just before 7:40 a.m., the warning was canceled by the Weather Service.

“Excessive cloud cover and rainfall today and tonight will lower the threat of excessive heat occurring over the desert regions,” an agency
advisory read.

The Weather Service also issued a wind warning for the Inland Empire and mountains areas until 2 p.m. During the wind warning period, those areas will
be subject to east wind gusting 35 to 50 miles per hour, according to the NWS.

“Wind this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles,” an advisory said. “Use extra caution.”