San Diego is bracing for a deluge as the National Weather Service in San Diego warns of "more widespread and heavier rainfall" moving inland from the coastal waters this morning, with rainfall rates potentially increasing to one-tenth and one-quarter inch per hour. Coastal and valley areas are expected to receive around one inch of rain, while mountain regions could see up to two inches, and deserts around one-half inch, according to NWS San Diego's X update.
More widespread and heavier rainfall over the coastal waters will move inland during the morning. As lower levels of the atmosphere saturate, rainfall rates will increase to one-tenth to one-quarter inch per hour. #cawx pic.twitter.com/re6Z0DCGQ1
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) January 22, 2024
Flood Watch alerts were activated Monday for a swath of Southern California, as heavy rains and isolated thunderstorms pose a threat to the morning commute, while the snowfall is anticipated above 6500 to 7000 feet, with 6 to 12 inches at even higher elevations, detailed the NWS Forecast Office in San Diego; additionally, strong gusty winds, particularly in coastal areas with isolated gusts up to 40 mph, could compound the weather scenario,
As the low-pressure system travels inland through Southern California and Northern Baja, there is a slight chance of thunderstorms this morning into the evening. However, showers are expected to taper off by late Tuesday. A temporary cooldown will persist through Thursday, with a warming trend beginning Friday, the Area Forecast Discussion from National Weather Service San Diego outlined.
Meanwhile, the marine forecast foreshadows choppy, steep, and hazardous seas on account of gusty northwesterly winds tightening their grip tonight through Tuesday afternoon, and the potential for thunderstorms could persist through this evening on the water, with erratic winds near storms likely, warns the NWS. At the same time, the surf will stay high through Wednesday, with 3-6 feet waves causing potential localized coastal flooding at low-lying shorelines, especially come Tuesday and Wednesday.
