Rain Likely Across Riverside County by Thursday Evening

Photo credit: Mirna Alfonso/Patch Staff

By City News Service

A storm expected to move into the region Thursday may bring daytime sprinkles and heaver rain to parts of Riverside County overnight as gusty winds continue to blow along the San Gorgonio Pass.

National Weather Service forecasters predicted the low pressure system would bring .82 inches of rain to Idyllwild, .64 inches in Banning and .36 inches in Hemet, along with cooler and cloudy weather through Friday. About a quarter-inch is expected in Riverside and Temecula, and Palm Springs could get .04 inches.

However, forecasters said those estimates will vary due to the “convective nature of this storm system.”

West winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour will continue along the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, along with gusts that may reach 45 mph. A NWS wind advisory for the area is scheduled to expire at 3 a.m. Friday.

The Coachella Valley was not included under the advisory, but forecasters said gusts of up to 55 mph would be possible in its northern reaches.

The wind may lead to hazardous driving conditions, especially for motorists in high-profile vehicles, forecasters said. Visibility along some desert roadways could also be reduced by blowing sand and dust.