Coachella Valley braces for near-freezing temps

At quick glance, you could almost mistake Palm Canyon Drive for Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

Monday afternoon people braved the frigid cold with coats, scarves, and steaming hot drinks.

“This weather, I think it feels like winter,” said 4-year-old Naomi James of Palm Springs.

“I think it’s too cold, it’s like a little snap for me,” said Richard Drown of La Quinta.

For others, who are used to Jack Frost’s bite, it was nothing to write home about.

“This is actually warm for us we were laying at the pool earlier today,” said Nicole of Indiana.

“They should come to Indiana, see what it’s like there,” said Marissa.

But the temperatures are only expected to drop more.

The National Weather Service forecasts several inches of snow in the San Jacinto Mountains, while on the valley floor temperatures could hover near freezing midweek, just in time for New Year’s.

“You just bundle up,” Drown said. “You use something you didn’t need to use for a long time and that’s your heater.”

Aside from up at the tram, Palm Springs hasn’t seen measurable snowfall in decades. For some visitors and locals, it would be a welcome sight.

“So I can throw a snowball,” said 8-year-old Mateo Cevallos.

“Nothing like a late, white Christmas for the boys,” said Jay Harper of Indio.