Southern California to Experience Wind, Rain, and Dust Storms this Weekend

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:16:00 +0200

Southern California is gearing up for a weekend of unsettled weather, including widespread rainstorms, cool temperatures, and the possibility of dust storms, particularly in the Coachella Valley. A low-pressure system will bring rain to the coastal counties starting Friday afternoon and continuing through Saturday morning, with heavier rainfall expected in areas like Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. The storm will intensify on Saturday night, bringing periods of rain and potential thunderstorms across the region, along with strong winds and even small hail. The Coachella Valley is under an air quality alert due to harmful dust pollution, which could affect the health of festival-goers. Temperatures will be well below normal for Southern California, with the Coachella Valley seeing cooler-than-usual conditions as well. While the storm is not expected to affect the Artemis II splashdown on Friday, the winds and poor visibility could impact the event. This rain could delay the start of