Will It Rain In Palm Desert Area Over President's Day Weekend?

PALM DESERT, CA — Another February storm system is set to move through the Inland Empire early next week, though meteorologists remain uncertain of how much precipitation is heading to the area.

As we head into the weekend, conditions are expected to remain dry, with temperatures even potentially slipping above normal on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. But things will start cooling down slightly on Saturday when the leading edge of the storm system will begin to impact the Central Coast by late Saturday.

Little rain is anticipated in the Southland on Saturday, and if any does fall, it would likely be less than one-tenth of an inch, according to the NWS.

The brunt of the storm front is expected to arrive Sunday night and continue through Wednesday, with "the potential for multiple rounds of heavy showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms to affect the region," forecasters said.

The total amount of rain expected to fall remained uncertain as of Thursday. In the more heavily impacted Central Coast, as much as 5 inches was being anticipated in lower elevations, and up to 8 inches in mountains and foothills, but Los Angeles-area totals were expected to be lower depending on the track of the storm system.

Initial predictions call for a total of between 2 and 3 inches in many portions of the Southland between Sunday night and Wednesday, but forecasters said "it still may be a few days from now before greater confidence can be ascertained."

The NWS noted that while the next system won't rival the record-breaking rains that fell earlier this month, the fact that the area is already saturated could make some areas more prone to flooding.

"The bottom-line message is that everyone is encouraged to closely monitor the latest information from the National Weather Service, as there exists potential for major hydrological impacts Sunday night through Wednesday," forecasters said.

"The recent extreme rainfall totals favor more hydrological impact from smaller subsequent precipitation amounts."

According to the National Weather Service, here is the upcoming forecast for the Coachella Valley:

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind around 5 mph becoming west in the evening.

Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 53. West wind around 5 mph.

Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 75. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 53.

Washington's Birthday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.

Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.

Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 70.

Tuesday Night
A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.

Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 51.

Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 71.