Tuesday storms bring unexpected rain to Southern California deserts
Tuesday, June 3, brought unusual and intense weather across Southern California, especially in the high desert and mountain areas. In what is typically one of the driest months of the year, storms dumped significant rainfall and even pea-sized hail over parts of Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, and Idyllwild.
The most substantial rain fell in Twentynine Palms, where 0.79 inches of precipitation was recorded near Adobe Road. The volume of rain caused flooding, making Adobe Road from Raymond Way to Amboy impassable due to more than two feet of standing water in an area known locally as the “Adobe Punchbowl”. City crews are working to clear debris and reopen roads as quickly as possible.
Palm Springs and Coachella Valley receive lighter showers
The Palm Springs International Airport reported 0.11 inches of rain, while nearby Thousand Palms logged 0.23 inches. These totals were modest but notable for early June, a period that generally precedes the monsoon season.
Further up in the San Jacinto Mountains, Pine Cove Rocky Point near Idyllwild received 0.17 inches, while Big Bear Dam in San Bernardino County saw 0.20 inches. The combination of altitude and instability helped intensify showers over these elevated zones.
Hail, wind and more showers in the Joshua Tree region
The storm system also hit the Joshua Tree National Park and surrounding areas hard, bringing strong gusts and hail. According to Jenn Soulat, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Las Vegas, the event was unseasonably intense for early June. While rain isn’t rare in the Mojave Desert, amounts nearing an inch are highly unusual outside of the summer monsoon period.
Forecast: Drying trend, intense heat returns
As of Wednesday morning, the forecast called for only a slight chance of additional showers over Twentynine Palms, but most of the storm activity is expected to subside quickly.
In Palm Springs, the weather pattern is shifting. Sunny skies are forecast starting Friday, and a major heat wave is on the horizon. Temperatures are expected to soar, with highs reaching up to 110°F (43.3°C) on Sunday and Monday, making it crucial for residents and visitors to prepare for sweltering conditions heading into the weekend.
