VICTOR VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) – Cooler weather with rain and mountain snow is expected across Southern California beginning Friday night and continuing into early next week, according to the National Weather Service.

In a social media update, the National Weather Service San Diego said “forecast timing has shifted with the majority of precipitation now expected Sunday.”

Forecasters said the system will begin with lighter precipitation before intensifying over the weekend.

Light rain is expected late Friday night into Saturday morning. Moderate rain will develop early Sunday and move from north to south through the afternoon, with showers lingering into Monday.

Light snow is expected in mountain areas above 6500 feet.

According to the latest rainfall outlook map, localized totals are expected across the High Desert and mountain communities. Victorville, Hesperia, and Lucerne Valley are forecast to receive between 0.1 and 0.2 inches of rain, while Wrightwood could see higher totals ranging from 0.5 to 0.7 inches.

Due to the incoming weather conditions, the U.S. Forest Service announced a temporary closure of trails in the Mt. Baldy area.

“Due to inclement weather, snow, and ice, Mt. Baldy area trails are temporarily closed to the public,” according to a written statement from the U.S. Forest Service. The closure is effective April 10, 2026, at 8 p.m., through April 20, 2026.

A broader climate outlook from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center indicates that current conditions remain “ENSO-neutral,” with those conditions “favored through April–June 2026 (80% chance).” Forecasters added that “El Niño is likely to emerge (61% chance) and persist through at least the end of 2026,” which may influence storm patterns later this year.

Rainfall totals across the region are expected to vary, with higher amounts in mountainous areas and lighter accumulations in desert regions. The system is also expected to bring cooler temperatures countywide.

Motorists are urged to use caution during wet conditions, particularly in higher elevations where snow and icy conditions may impact travel.

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