Frost advisories have been issued for parts of Riverside County Thursday through Friday following a storm system that brushed the Inland Empire with the trailing edge of the cold front pushing temperatures below normal.
The National Weather Service issued two frost advisories for the Riverside metropolitan area — one in effect from 2 to 9 a.m. Thursday, and the other from 2 to 9 a.m. Friday.
“Temperatures as low as 34 will result in frost formation,” according to the NWS. “Frost could kill outdoor vegetation if left uncovered.”
Lows in Riverside are predicted to fall into the mid 30s on Thursday and Friday nights.
The same lows are expected in the Temecula Valley, where dozens of vintners have year-round crops sensitive to temperature drops.
High temps in Riverside metro and the Temecula Valley for the end of the week will be in the mid-60s.
In the Coachella Valley, the temperature band from Thursday to Saturday will be daytime highs close to 70 degrees and overnight lows in the mid-40s.
The NWS said the bulk of precipitation associated with the latest storm was of the light to moderate variety in the inland region, with greater amounts across San Diego County. Less than a quarter inch was predicted in the Riverside area.
Snow showers were occurring throughout the San Bernardino Mountains and around Idyllwild-Pine Cove in the San Bernardino National Forest.
“Snow showers lingering in the mountains could amount … to two inches,” the NWS said. “Accumulations of two to four inches (are likely) above 6,000 feet.”
According to meteorologists, a system developing in the Pacific Northwest will usher in another chance of precipitation this weekend, but forecast models are depicting a weak trough, with little moisture available for significant rain or snowfall.
“Slight warming will be felt across the region through Saturday under tranquil conditions,” the NWS stated. “The bigger story with this system will be the much cooler temperatures and strong winds on Sunday. (There is) potential for a strong onshore wind event Sunday morning as the storm system passes by to the north. Temperatures will also fall quickly Sunday night into Monday, leading to the coldest night of the season so far.”
Santa Ana winds might develop early next week, heralding another warming trend, forecasters said.