Extreme October Heat Before Big Pattern Change

We’re still feeling the October heat, but a major weather shake-up is on the way for the Coachella Valley!

An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through 8 pm Friday, with highs around 102–106 degrees and Major to locally Extreme HeatRisk across the lower deserts. Temperatures drop into the 90s Saturday, then tumble into the mid-80s early next week—roughly 20 degrees cooler than during this week’s heat.

Here's the changeup we have our eye on: A low pressure system drawing in moisture from former Hurricane Rachel will bring increasing clouds and a chance of showers Sunday through Tuesday, but our best rain chances are Sunday into Monday--bringing the potential for locally heavy rain and flooding.

Southwest to west winds will also strengthen Sunday afternoon into Monday, with gusts of 35–45 mph possible across the desert and potentially 55–65 mph in the northern Coachella Valley below the San Gorgonio Pass, bringing a risk of blowing dust and difficult travel. This will be a noticeably windy stretch.

The exact timing and movement of this system is still being determined--meaning placement for where we could see the heaviest rain is still a bit uncertain. Biggest takeaway: we're tracking a dramatic shift from hot and dry to cooler, windy and potentially wet weather.