Murrieta's Rainfall Totals After Latest Winter Storm: More Rain Coming

MURRIETA, CA — Riverside County had a day to dry out Monday after a powerful winter storm pummeled the area with heavy rainfall, gusty winds and mountain snowfall. Still, the National Weather Service predicted more rain and snow in the forecast over the next few days.

In Murrieta, the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District reports rainfall totals of 2.09 inches over the past seven days. For the year to date, Murrieta is sitting at just over 11.85 inches of rainfall, just under two inches shy of our annual 15-inch average.

Rainfall figures are tabulated each year starting July 1, according to the district.

Forecasters called for a chance of rain Monday and Tuesday in the San Gorgonio Pass, however, rain was not expected in the Coachella Valley until Tuesday night or Wednesday.

Winds of 15 to 25 mph were expected in the desert areas Sunday night and Monday, increasing to 20 to 30 mph Tuesday with gusts up to 50 mph in the afternoon.

A slight chance of snow showers persisted Monday, with expected snow accumulation of around 1 inch. The snow level would hover at 4,500 feet in the afternoon. Mountain winds of 30 to 40 mph were expected Monday, with gusts of 45 mph Sunday night and 60 mph Monday afternoon.

Sunday's high in Riverside was 51 degrees, while Hemet only got up to 47 degrees. It was warmer in the desert, with highs of 59 in Palm Springs, 60 in Palm Desert and 62 in Coachella.

Daytime temperatures were expected to remain cold for the next few days, with most highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s and 40s in most of the county.

Rain is forecast in parts of Riverside County through Wednesday, with skies expected to clear up by Wednesday night. Dry weather should return Thursday, likely continuing through next weekend, but temperatures will remain below average, according to the NWS.

The weather service warned that "driving conditions will remain poor due to previously fallen snow where roads are open."

Murrieta's Weather Forecast:

Tuesday
Rain, mainly after 5pm. High near 54. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tuesday Night
Rain. Low around 42. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday
Rain. High near 51. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 29.

Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 58.

Thursday Night
Clear, with a low around 33.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 65.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 38.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.

Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Sunday
A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 59.