San Diegans, brace yourself for a dip in the mercury and grab your umbrellas. The National Weather Service forecasts a noticeable cooldown and possible showers heading into the weekend. Temperatures along the coast and valleys are currently basking in the mid 60s to lower 70s, are expected to slip a few notches by Thursday. According to the NWS forecast, coastal regions can anticipate highs mostly in the 60s. In comparison, inland areas such as the Apple and Lucerne Valleys will also feel the chill in the 60s, a few degrees cooler than Wednesday.
The lower deserts will see the upper 70s, and those adventuring into the mountains should prepare for mid 40s to mid 50s, for elevations ranging from 4500 to 7000 feet. If that's not enough, the forecast discussion from the National Weather Service San Diego, CA, hints at "cooling spreading inland" with "night and morning low clouds becoming more widespread and spreading farther inland into the valleys." All thanks to a strengthening onshore flow.
As the weather narrative takes a gusty turn by week's end. The NWS discussion continues to warn that "very strong and gusty west winds" are expected for the mountains and deserts from Friday night through Saturday night, with possible winds up to 70 mph making an unwelcome gust. Not only will winds ramp up, but Mother Nature is plotting precipitation, likely to grace the coast to the mountains come Saturday, as per the Area Forecast Discussion.
The temperatures dive could have mountain areas seeing 10 to 15 degrees below average. It's not all bleak, though, as the forecast for Monday and Tuesday suggests a return to drier and somewhat warmer conditions. The watchword for mariners eager to hit the high seas is caution, as "stronger winds and higher seas are expected Saturday into Sunday, probably generating hazardous conditions for small craft." This advisory comes directly from the mouthpiece of the NWS San Diego, hoping to prevent any unwary boater from sailing into trouble. With the weather set to shuffle the deck in the coming days, keep a weather eye on the horizon, or perhaps more practically, keep tabs on the NWS San Diego X feed for updates on rain, wind, and mountain snow.
Quiet weather is expected over the next few days. By the end of this week another weather system increases chances of gusty winds, rain, & mtn snow. There is still uncertainty in the forecast, especially precip amounts and timing so stay tuned for updates through the week! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/FCjyNa0kU2
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) February 27, 2024
In summation, as we March into a new month, while the forecast remains somewhat shifty with "uncertainty in the forecast, especially precip amounts and timing," San Diego is poised for a splash and shiver this weekend.
