The National Weather Service in San Diego is predicting a swing in weather patterns for Southern California, with warm conditions quickly to be replaced by wet weather. According to NWS San Diego, today will mark the peak of warmth for the week, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s in the mountains to the 70s in other areas, which is above normal for the mountains.
However, the weather is set to take a turn beginning Sunday, as clouds move in ahead of an approaching storm. "Dry and warm conditions are expected Friday and Saturday," the National Weather Service stated, but cooler and cloudier weather will swiftly arrive by Sunday. Monday, residents can expect to start to see rainfall that will continue into mid-week. The forecast indicates a weak atmospheric river will likely bring moisture into the region. The Area Forecast Discussion warns that the onset of rain "keeps getting delayed," compressing the total accumulation window. By the time the showers end Wednesday, snow and rainfall totals could vary significantly across the counties.
Rainfall predictions for the coming storm have been adjusted downward in the latest models. Orange County and southwestern San Bernardino County may see up to 1.5 inches, while Riverside is looking at about 0.75 inch, and San Diego County could receive between 0.25 to 1 inch. The forecast calls for relatively milder winds, with gusts anticipated to reach 25-35 mph in some regions by Tuesday, and an increase to 30-40 mph in the mountains and deserts by Wednesday.
The NWS also has its eye on potential hazards related to the storm. Coastal areas, in particular, are slated to see significant swells, and there is some concern for urban or stream flooding in Orange and San Bernardino Counties. "Our biggest concern with this storm is if the rain will be persistent or intense enough to lead to some urban or stream flooding," the NWS report stated. The late week outlook suggests a return to dryer conditions, perhaps providing some respite before the possibility of more wet weather next weekend.
For mariners, no significant threats are expected through Sunday, but the forthcoming storm will contribute to breezy south winds and a chance for showers early into the next week. Beachgoers should be wary of high surf with a west swell anticipated to hit Sunday morning, potentially causing tidal overflow and minor beach erosion. The NWS also adds, "Skywarn activation is not requested," but they encourage weather spotters to report significant conditions.
