Weather Alert Sunday: Rachel Brings Rain, Wind & Major Cooldown

We’re trading October heat for a wet, windy weekend in the Coachella Valley, with a First Alert Weather Alert in place all day Sunday.

Highs tied records yesterday. Now we'll begin to fall from the lower 100s today into the 90s Saturday, then drop into the 80s Sunday as Tropical Storm Rachel approaches SoCal and a strengthening trough brings cooler air.

Clouds increase tomorrow, with showers possible late Saturday night and the most intense rain expected Sunday morning—potentially bringing heavy downpours and localized flash flooding. Rainfall totals could approach three-quarters of an inch to nearly an inch in some valley locations, but Rachel’s exact track and movement the next 24 hours will determine where the heaviest rain falls.

Gusty winds increase Sunday, with gusts of 40–55mph possible along mountain slopes and into portions of the valley, especially near the San Gorgonio Pass and along I-10.

Monday and Tuesday are our coolest days ahead, with additional showers possible through Tuesday before drier weather and a gradual warming trend return for the second half of next week.