Mild conditions for now, wet weather pattern ahead

It's been a pleasant President's Day weekend thus far, with temperatures in the upper 70s and dry conditions. Sunday will be another mild day in the desert though you may notice increased cloud cover and breezy winds. Though there are no wind watches or advisories posted, drive with extra caution if you are heading out west due to today's stronger winds.

An approaching low pressure system will bring unsettled weather to Southern California through the middle of the work week. On Monday, areas west of the desert, including San Bernardino County mountains and Orange County, could start to see moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall.

Though impacts are expected to be minimal locally on Monday, a Flood Watch has been issued starting Monday afternoon through Tuesday night. This watch includes the San Gorgonio Pass, North Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs due to the risk of wash flooding from mountain runoff.

At this time, Tuesday and Wednesday appear to be the best opportunity for local rainfall. Heavier accumulation is likely to remain off to the west with a few tenths of an inch expected locally through Wednesday.

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for local mountain communities starting Monday night through early Wednesday morning. Areas above 7,000 ft. could see an upwards of three inches of snow which could create difficult traveling conditions.

The incoming low pressure system is likely to impact the valley with gustier winds through Wednesday. Calmer and drier conditions will return late next week with the arrival of a weak high pressure system.

Stay with the First Alert Weather Team for incoming forecast details.