San Diegans kicked off the New Year with a bit of a chill and the prospect of some raindrops as weather authorities outlined a forecast of cool temperatures and slight shower chances for the region. The National Weather Service reported a slight chance of showers mainly across San Diego County throughout the afternoon, with the highest likelihood for light rainfall in the southern parts.
The overcast skies didn't do much to warm spirits, with highs today marking a few degrees below the norm for the first day of 2024, though slightly warmer weather is on the horizon for Tuesday, according to the same forecast. The NWS further elaborated on expected conditions, stating, "a storm system passing to the south of Southern California will lead to slight chances for showers today," with clearer skies predicted by evening and a marginal increase in temperature come Tuesday; another trough, expected to move inland midweek, is likely to bring more substantial rainfall, especially on Wednesday afternoon and evening with a cool down to follow wherein high temperatures Wednesday and Thursday could plunge between 7 to 14 degrees below average.
As the NWS explained, by late Thursday, conditions will dry out again, leading into early Saturday, with the impending weekend system anticipated to trend north and colder, potentially bringing precipitation and even snowy conditions in higher elevations below 4000 ft on Sunday. Forecast details from the NWS also call for increased surf and strong rip currents by late Wednesday night, extending into Thursday following the arrival of a northwest swell.
Air and sea travelers should also take heed; "Coast/Valleys...FEW low clouds around 2500 ft MSL and high clouds AOA 15000 ft MSL. Areas of vis of 3-5 miles expected through 16Z -SHRA possible through 21z near the coast," the NWS alerted, indicating that brief visibility issues could arise in showers until they taper off in the evening, whereas for the sea, "an approaching weather system will bring northwest wind gusts 20-30 kt and steep seas near 10 feet," potentially impacting marine navigation both in the harbor and offshore as per Area Forecast Discussion released by the weather authorities.
