Southwest RivCo Could See Rainy, Gusty Cold Snap This Week

TEMECULA, CA — Sunny and warm temperatures across Southwest Riverside County were expected to diminish Thursday night as rain, blustery conditions and cooler temperatures are expected to persist through the weekend.

A system of low-pressure is drifting toward the region, bringing cooler air, windier conditions and good chance of showers across Southern California Thursday through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

"Rain showers currently over the Bay Area will drift toward our
area as early as this evening," NWS forecasters said Thursday. "Scattered showers will occur mainly from the coastal slopes to the beaches tonight into Friday where the best chance of precipitation will occur."

The Inland Empire was expected to see lighter rain totals than neighboring San Diego County.

Less than a tenth of an inch was possible for much of Southwest Riverside.

In areas like Temecula and Murrieta, a 50% chance of rain was possible after 10 p.m. on Thursday. It will be mostly cloudy during the evening with a low of around 46 degrees with south winds of 10 mph and gusts as high as 20 mph. In Lake Elsinore, there's a slightly lower chance of rain — 40% on Thursday night and Friday during the day.

Friday will bring another 50% chance of showers with mostly sunny skies and a high near 59. Southwest wind could be 10 to 15 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Saturday will bring a 30% chance of more rain after 10 a.m. Otherwise, residents can expect mostly sunny skies with a high of near 60 degrees. Winds will calm down, becoming west and around 5 mph in the afternoon, according to the NWS.

"The system will push out by Sunday, leading to drier weather," NWS officials said.

Sunday night will be mostly clear with a chilly low of around 38 degrees in Southwest Riverside.