Labor Day in Coachella Valley: Weather, fun things to do, road closures, tram reopens
Labor Day is the unofficial finale to summer in much of the nation, but in the desert, we're still in the dog days of triple-digit heat that can continue through September and even into October.
After a punishing course of rain and subsequent flooding due to Tropical Storm Hilary, valley residents and visitors will get a break from extreme weather for the holiday weekend, when daytime highs are expected to be in the 90s, and won't return to triple digits until Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service's San Diego office. There is a chance of rain, possibly a thunderstorm, on Friday.
Labor Day Weekend weather forecast for the Palm Springs area
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon with a high near 99 and nighttime low of 77. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Light and variable wind coming from the north around 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with daytime highs near 96. At night, it will be mostly clear, with a low around 76. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 96 during the day. Night will be clear with a low around 70.
Labor Day: Sunny, with a high near 97. At night, it will be clear with a low around 75.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 101.
Major road closures in the Palm Springs area
The Coachella Valley was hit hard by Tropical Storm Hilary, and while many affected roadways have reopened, several main arteries remain closed. The city of Palm Springs said last week that Indian Canyon Drive at the wash will be closed for at least another month for repairs.
More: A week after Hilary: Here are the roads still closed in the Coachella Valley
Ice cream: Where to get the best scoops in the Coachella Valley
Desert Sun features reporter Ema Sasic was on a mission to find the best ice cold sweet treats in the greater Palm Springs area. Check out this fun list and savor the taste of summer at least one more time before you start to sip pumpkin spice, well, everything.
More: We all scream for ice cream: The ultimate guide to the Coachella Valley's coolest treats
Cool ways to stay entertained over the three-day weekend
Desert Sun features reporter Brian Blueskye curated a list of his must-see shows in the Coachella Valley this weekend.
More: Cirque du Soleil and more: 4 shows to see in the Coachella Valley this weekend
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to reopen Friday after annual maintenance closure
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will reopen Friday after being closed most of August for its annual maintenance.
The tramway began its closure Aug. 7 and is set to reopen at 10 a.m. Friday, according to tramway public relations manager Madison Morgan. The tramway will also operate with holiday hours in observance of Labor Day Saturday and Sunday, when the first tram will go up at 8 a.m. and the last tram will go down at 10:30 p.m.
“During this year’s shutdown, we will be performing our annual state- permit testing,” Chris Bartsch, vice president of tramway systems, said in a statement last month. “Additionally, the tramway control systems will be updated, the gearbox will undergo a rebuild, and the cables will be tested.”
Morgan said that the completed projects following the maintenance closure include updated Tramway systems, hydraulic and brake servicing, and state permit testing.
Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols said the maintenance closure also allows for training and planning in other departments for the upcoming season while maintenance and tramway systems teams make necessary updates and general maintenance.
‒ City News Service
Head up to the high desert, even if hiking isn't your thing
Desert Sun reporter Ani Gasparyan has mapped out a fun day in Joshua Tree. And it doesn't have to involve hitting the trails.
More: What to do on a day trip to Joshua Tree if you're not into hiking
Try something new for lunch or dinner: Where to get the best shawarma in the desert
Burned out from a summer filled with hot dogs, tacos and burgers? Why not give the Middle Eastern treat of shawarma a try. It's a great option for a family lunch or dinner. Here are some great places to try:
More: There's not enough shawarma in the Coachella Valley. But here are some spots to try
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Labor Day in Palm Springs area: weather, fun things to do, road closures
