The skies have been drizzly, but San Diego County is beginning to see a break in the rain after showers persisted overnight. The National Weather Service observed a "general decreasing trend in coverage and intensity." The recent downpour marked a noticeable wet spell, with certain areas reporting substantial rainfall.
Showers have continued overnight in portions of San Diego County with a general decreasing trend in coverage and intensity. #cawx pic.twitter.com/cgdo37S2An
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) January 23, 2024
On Monday, San Diego witnessed a historic rainfall with 2.73 inches of rain, breaking records dating back to 1850. This deluge caused the San Diego River to rise above flood stage at Fashion Valley, bringing it high enough to quickly flood low-water crossings. Expect to see continued light showers this morning, which plan to diminish by afternoon and end over the mountains by late afternoon. The National Weather Service states, "Additional rainfall will generally be light," but some areas can still expect to see a bit more than a trickle.
Looking ahead, a small craft advisory remains in effect until 9 PM PST this evening. Mariners should be wary of choppy, steep seas with short periods that will be hazardous for small craft, as noted by the National Weather Service's urgent marine weather message. Winds are gusting to 25 knots, and those without adequate experience, particularly those navigating smaller vessels, should avoid setting out into the hazardous conditions.
San Diegans looking for sunny skies might just find some respite later this week. According to forecasts, a weak low pressure system is about to skirt southeastward through the Great Basin, possibly bringing some light showers Wednesday night and Thursday. But it's expected to dry up and warm up starting Friday, "with high pressure aloft over the western states and weak offshore flow," according to the National Weather Service. For beachgoers and surfers, elevated surf is expected to continue through Wednesday due to a west swell. Minor tidal overflow is a possibility during the high tides in the morning.
As for what turns the weather might take as February rolls around, indications point toward "a prolonged wetter pattern" that could make an appearance at the month's onset. While the exact nature and scope of this potential system remain to be seen, the continuity of this wet season harkens to the omnipresent cycles within which our Californian shores are wreathed, entrusting to us mere onlookers in its vast and unyielding ebb and flow.
