High winds headed for hi-desert

The National Weather Service has predicted high winds and strong gusts this weekend in the Morongo Basin.

Beginning today, they are expecting gusts up to 30 mph and steadily increasing to 50 mph gusts on Friday (April 3), and reducing to 35 mph gusts on Saturday (April 4). They have not yet issued a wind advisory for our area, but similar wind speeds have warranted advisories in the past.

The National Weather Service says that this is the last in a series of shortwaves swinging through our region, bringing a continuation of breezy-to-windy conditions. They say the strongest winds today will once again remain over western portions of the Mojave Desert.

Here in the hi-desert, big gusts can create dust storms. If you’re driving through our area, be aware for the potential of sudden dust storms which can significantly reduce visibility. It’s always better to pull over and wait for a dust storm to pass instead of driving through sudden dangerous conditions.

Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz is the co-host of Z107.7’s “Morning Show with Cody and Jef” and Z107.7’s News Director. He has worked as a journalist, cartoonist, chef, and delivery driver. He is known nationally for his writing and comics in publications like TimeOut, Popula, Roadtrippers, Solrad and Spiralbound, and for his album covers for Third Eye Blind and Sir Sly. He is known locally for his pop-up barbecue restaurant Hot Dog Panic. He remains unknown in the field of beekeeping, because he is too afraid of being stung to try it. When not on the radio, he draws comics and self-publishes little books. He lives with his partner and his dog Sunday in Yucca Valley, where he cooks them both elaborate meals.