PALM SPRINGS (CNS) - Gusty winds are expected to buffet the Coachella Valley, the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning and the mountains of Riverside County west of the desert starting this afternoon and continuing through part of the weekend, the National Weather Service said.
A low-pressure system moving inland along the West Coast is driving the gusty winds, which could make driving difficult, especially for high- profile vehicles, the NWS said.
``In the deserts, areas of blowing dust and sand could reduce visibility at times,'' meteorologists said. ``Watch for broken tree limbs (and) use extra caution.''
The NWS issued a wind advisory that will take effect at 2 p.m. today and is expected to expire at 5 a.m. Sunday. A wind advisory signifies that sustained winds of 35 mph are expected, though gusty winds accompanying the low- pressure system could reach up to 50 mph tonight and Saturday, the weather service said.
All of the Coachella Valley will be under the advisory, including Palm Springs, Coachella, Indio, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Palm Desert Country, La Quinta and Desert Hot Springs. The advisory also includes the mountains and the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning.
West and southwest winds are expected today, with west and northwest winds forecast for Saturday night, the NWS said. The strongest winds are expected along desert mountain slopes into adjacent desert areas.
Warming weather is expected to accompany the winds today. High temperatures will be 91 to 96 degrees in the Coachella Valley, 85 to 90 near the San Gorgonio Pass and 66 to 77 in the mountains.
Temperatures in the Coachella Valley are forecast to fall just a touch over the weekend -- highs are expected to be 90 to 95 degrees on Saturday and around 92 on Sunday -- before rising at the start of next week. The Coachella Valley could hit triple digits on Tuesday, with highs between 95 to 100 expected.
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