Southern California Faces Windy and Rainy Weekend with Dust Storms Near Coachella Festival

A low-pressure system will move across Southern California this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. The system is expected to produce scattered rainstorms in coastal counties and possible dust storms in the Coachella region. Thousands of attendees are scheduled to gather for the first weekend of the Coachella music festival in Indio.

Light rain is forecast for Los Angeles County from Friday afternoon into Saturday morning. Heavier rainfall is expected north of Point Conception in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. A second pulse of the storm is anticipated Saturday night, bringing periods of rain across the region with a chance for thunderstorms.

Meteorologists stated that thunderstorms could produce strong winds and potential locally damaging wind gusts. The storms may also bring small hail, along with the possibility of a waterspout or small tornado.

Strong winds, poor visibility and high surf can affect splashdown operations, but NASA has not indicated concerns about the timing or safety. Gusty winds are forecast for the Coachella Valley on Friday.

Saturday in the cities of Indio, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, La Quinta and Coachella due to elevated particle pollution from windblown dust. The highest levels of particulate matter are expected in the northwest Coachella Valley. Particle pollution can enter the lungs and contribute to health issues including asthma attacks, heart and lung disease symptoms, and increased risk of lung infections, according to the weather service.

Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed, use air conditioners and air purifiers, and avoid activities that add to air pollution such as grilling or using fireplaces. Although rainfall is predicted to be low in desert regions, showers are possible in the Coachella Valley on Sunday.