First Alert Weather Alert: Tracking strong winds Thursday
We are tracking a windy evening here in the Coachella Valley. Our First Alert Weather Alert took effect at 4:00 PM Wednesday as westerly onshore winds began to build up around the valley in the evening hours. Winds were expected to gradually build throughout the evening and overnight hours shifting more north and northwesterly.
A Wind Advisory took effect for the Coachella Valley at 8:00 PM. This all comes as a result of a fast-moving low pressure system (inside slider) passing to our south, and as a much larger trough (area of low pressure) moves in from the north.
As the more prominent trough moves south and east, our winds will strengthen. Later into Wednesday night and Thursday morning will see strong winds both in and around the Coachella Valley. Stronger winds will be felt in areas like Desert Hot Springs and the San Gorgonio Pass where we could see gusts 45-65mph.
However, the usual culprits (like the interstate) will also see some gusty winds at times. As the system moves east, the winds will begin to shift and become more offshore. This will help clear out our skies. In the coming days, a ridge of high pressure will move into the region. This will allow skies to remain clear and temperatures to rise.
The First Alert Weather Alert will remain in place through 1:00 PM tomorrow as we track the possibility for strong winds. Friday will cool in the low 60s with chilly Saturday morning temperatures in the low 40s! This ahead of a warming trend that continues into next week. We could hit 80 by Wednesday.
