Forecasters predicted showers throughout Riverside County this weekend, with the highest chance of rain on Sunday.
“The heaviest rainfall and mountain snowfall is expected on Sunday, where there is a slight chance of thunderstorms west of the mountains,” the National Weather Service announced.
Forecasters added that any measurable precipitation that falls Saturday will likely be less than a tenth of an inch and possibly up to a quarter of an inch for some of the mountains.
“Better precipitation amounts are expected tomorrow, with amounts of generally a quarter to a half an inch for the coastal to inland areas, and higher to around three quarters of an inch for the coastal slopes and foothills,” the NWS added.
Elevations above 5,000 feet were also expected to see some snow Sunday ranging from dusting, to about 2 inches of snow near Big Bear Lake.
An air quality alert was effective in the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs until at least 5 a.m. Sunday due to windblown dust in the area, where winds ranging from 10 to 15 mph and gusts of up to 30 mph were expected.
The highest particle pollution levels were expected Saturday night, according to forecasters.
“Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems such as asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of lung infections. Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with lung or heart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk,” the South Coast Air Quality Management District announced.
On Friday night, fans at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival experienced gusty winds that blew away the tents of some campers and prompted the cancellation of Italian-American DJ Anyma’s performance due to the strong winds affecting the stage build.
Saturday temperatures were expected to reach a high of 71 in Riverside, 67 in Temecula, 69 in Hemet, 85 in Coachella and 79 in Palm Springs.
Sunday’s showers were expected to cool down temperatures by a few degrees throughout the county. Riverside’s high on Sunday was expected to be 64, Temecula 62, Hemet 61, Coachella 80 and Palm Springs 73.