The recent period of inclement weather, stirred by the remnants of Hurricane Rachel across the Inland Empire and elsewhere, is set to transition to dry and windy conditions by the end of the week, according to the National Weather Service.
High pressure is expected to build over the Great Basin of Utah and Nevada, while an upper-level low becomes stalled over the Four Corners region. This atmospheric shift, stated by the NWS, will "begin to establish Santa Ana conditions" across Southern California.
Heavy clouds and sporadic rain showers are forecast to dissipate from the inland region throughout Monday as the tail end of the trough associated with the tropical storm fully exits to the northeast. Clearing skies are expected by Tuesday morning, if not sooner.
The storm, which arrived Saturday, brought notable precipitation to various parts of the Inland Empire. The Riverside metropolitan area received approximately 1.3 inches of rain in the 48-hour period from late Saturday morning to late Monday morning. Within Riverside County, Banning experienced the highest rainfall with 4.76 inches, followed by Beaumont at 3.35 inches. Palm Springs International Airport documented 1.16 inches of precipitation, while Palm Desert, in areas of rising terrain, indicated about 2 inches of rainfall. Corona Municipal Airport registered the lowest count in the county with 0.64 inches.
The storm’s impacts are expected to recede quickly, paving the way for a return of dry, sunny weather from Wednesday and continuing into next week. Forecasters indicate minimal chances of precipitation from Tuesday night through early next week.
By Friday, a "strong super-gradient jet" stream is projected to move in from the north. The National Weather Service states this will enhance offshore winds through Friday and Saturday. Coastal and inland basins, including areas like Irvine, may experience afternoon temperatures climbing as much as 15 degrees above average for Friday, with a "possible return of moderate heat risk." Winds are anticipated to be strong and gusty, particularly in higher terrain.
The agency noted that wind advisories might be issued as early as Wednesday. High temperatures in the broader Riverside area are forecast to be just below 70 degrees on Monday and Tuesday, with lows around 50 degrees. A warming trend for this region begins Wednesday, with daytime temperatures rising from the upper 70s to the upper 80s heading into the weekend, and lows in the low 60s. Similarly, the Coachella Valley will see highs in the mid-70s Monday and Tuesday, with lows in the upper 50s, before transitioning to mid to upper 80s from Wednesday to Sunday, with overnight temperatures in the mid to upper 60s. The Temecula Valley is expected to parallel Riverside's temperatures on Monday and Tuesday, then shift to upper 70s to mid-80s from Wednesday to Sunday, with nighttime lows generally settling near 60 degrees.
