The chance of showers continues to increase for the Coachella Valley over the next several days, prompting questions regarding the status of the Head Trip music festival slated for the weekend.
The National Weather Service forecasts rain beginning the evening of Saturday, Oct. 10, and continuing in the morning and early afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 11. A high of 94 degrees is expected Saturday before dropping down to 69 degrees in the evening, while Sunday has a slightly cooler high of 84 degrees and a low around 60 degrees.
Meteorologist Adam Roser of the weather service's San Diego office added that Sunday is also predicted to be the windiest day, with gusts potentially up to 30 mph.
"That is something that I hope [festival organizers] are watching,"
Roser said. Just earlier this year, the Stagecoach country music festival was temporarily evacuated due to roughly 40 mph wind gusts.
The National Weather Service also announced a flood watch will be in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday evening, impacting valley cities and unincorporated communities.
Head Trip sets that could be impacted on Saturday include Peggy Gou and Four Tet from 7:20 to 8:50 p.m., Fisher and Chris Lake from 9:10 to 10:40 p.m. and headliner Calvin Harris, who is slated to take the stage at 11 p.m. and can play until the 1 a.m. Sunday curfew. While gates don't open until 3 p.m. Sunday, campers may have to brace for a wet evening.
No weather-related announcements have been made on the music festival's website or social media accounts as of Friday morning.
The upcoming weather is a result of Tropical Storm Rachel, which was a hurricane but has weakened slightly to tropical storm status. The system has been moving toward Mexico and the United States over the last several days, bringing the first significant precipitation since the summer. Current forecasts show it likely making landfall in Baja California and weakening further, although it could track north to San Diego, which would result in more significant impacts.
Roser added that if Rachel moves through the valley, it may result in an additional weather system that could bring light showers on Monday, Oct. 12, and possibly Tuesday, Oct. 13. Highs on those days are predicted to be in the upper 70s, and precipitation is estimated to total a quarter to half an inch from Saturday evening through Monday night.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com, on X @ema_sasic or on Instagram @emasasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How will rain, wind impact Head Trip festival in Indio this weekend?
