Showers Return to Inland Empire Friday Through Sunday
A weak atmospheric river and passing troughs bring a chance of rain and gusty winds to Southern California this weekend.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Forecasts
A weak atmospheric river is rolling over Southern California, with the earliest chance of precipitation arriving Friday afternoon across the Inland Empire. Current trends show less than a half inch of rain in most locations through the weekend.
Why it matters
Passing troughs of low pressure curving south from the North Pacific are expected to keep showers and wind in the forecast into early next week. Residents in California's Inland Empire should plan for changing weather after several days of above average temperatures.
The forecast uses projected rainfall totals and wind gust speeds, with Riverside highs and lows tracked for each period. Exact rainfall amounts for specific communities and the duration of showers after the weekend remain unspecified.
The details
Troughs of low pressure curving south from the North Pacific are increasing moisture over the region, with periodic troughs passing the U.S. West Coast. The greatest wind gusts are expected within the passes and around the mountains as each trough moves through.
Timeline
Tuesday to Thursday: Above average temperatures, with Riverside highs in the low to mid 80s and overnight lows in the mid 50s.
Friday: Earliest chance of precipitation arrives in the afternoon.
Friday to Sunday: Chance of showers across the Inland Empire, with Riverside highs at or just below 70 degrees.
Early next week: Periods of showers expected to continue.
Seasonal Patterns
This forecast follows the recurring pattern of Pacific troughs that periodically cross the U.S. West Coast, producing intermittent showers rather than a single sustained storm. Comparison with historical averages for the Inland Empire is not provided in the source extraction.
Residents across the Inland Empire should expect a chance of rain beginning Friday afternoon and continuing through the weekend. Gusty winds are most likely in the passes and mountain areas, so travelers should check conditions before driving in those regions.
The takeaway
Weather patterns along the West Coast can shift quickly as troughs move through, so checking forecasts close to the weekend helps plan around showers and wind. Temperatures are expected to cool from midweek highs into the upper 60s to near 70 by the weekend.
What happens next
Periods of showers are expected to continue into early next week, with the forecast to be updated as the troughs pass.
Further reading
For the latest outlook across the state, see the Forecasts section.
