Strong winds expected to last throughout day around Coachella Valley

Strong winds will blow throughout the day Friday in parts of Riverside County.

Check out your First Alert Weather Forecast for the Coachella Valley

A National Weather Service wind advisory for the San Gorgonio Pass zone, which includes Banning and Desert Hot Springs but not the remainder of the Coachella Valley, was expected until 8 a.m. Friday. Sustained wind speeds of 25 to 35 miles per hour and gusts of up to 55 mph in most affected areas and up to 65 mph in certain locales will be likely throughout the advisory period.

Peak wind gusts recorded early Friday along the San Gorgonio Pass were 59 mph about two miles north of Whitewater, 44 mph in Whitewater and 42 mph about 5 miles north-northeast of Thousand Palms, according to a NWS statement. Gusts of 44 mph were also recorded in Thousand Palms in the Coachella Valley.

“A low pressure trough and strong onshore flow will boost winds in the desert through tonight,” according to the weather service. “Strongest winds will be in the San Gorgonio Pass into the northern Coachella Valley and in the
Anza Borrego Desert.”

Strong winds may lead to hazardous driving conditions, especially for motorists in high-profile vehicles. Blowing dust and sand may reduce visibility to 2 to 5 miles, so drivers are urged to use extra caution, according to the NWS.

The winds are expected to weaken throughout the day, forecasters said.

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