A cold front will bring showers and possible thunderstorms to Temecula Valley starting Wednesday night, Oct. 21, the National Weather Service said.
The system could drop about 1 inch of rain on the coastal plain and up to 1.5 inches on the coastal slopes of the mountains, Patch reported. Thunderstorms are possible through Thursday night, Oct. 22.
"Rainfall could range from around 1 inch for the … coastal plain, to around 1.5 inches on the coastal slopes of the mountains," the NWS said in a statement.
The agency attributed the storm's intensity to cold air moving over near-record-warm coastal waters, which it said will increase atmospheric instability.
The NWS point forecast for Temecula shows a 90% chance of precipitation both Wednesday night and Thursday. Showers may begin as early as 11 a.m. Wednesday, with the heaviest rain arriving after 11 p.m. A slight chance of lingering showers continues into Thursday night before skies clear.
Temperatures will fall sharply. Wednesday's high in Temecula is forecast at 76 degrees. Thursday's high drops to 69 degrees, with an overnight low around 51. That marks a notable decline from the upper 70s forecast for Monday, Oct. 19, and Tuesday, Oct. 20, when the NWS expects a high near 78 in Temecula.
No flood watches or wind warnings had been posted as of Monday morning. Onshore wind flows are expected to pick up as the front passes through, with Wednesday's forecast calling for southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph.
Conditions improve quickly. Friday's forecast calls for sunny skies and a high near 73 degrees. Saturday and Sunday climb to 79 and 81 degrees.
The NWS said another round of precipitation is possible the week of Oct. 26, though forecast models have not yet solidified.
Upcoming community dates
- Saturday, Oct. 24: The Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library opens as a vote center for the Nov. 3 election.
- Tuesday, Oct. 27: The City of Temecula holds a public hearing on development fee spending.
