SoCal residents, brace yourselves for a bit more than the usual sunshine and mild winds. The National Weather Service's San Diego office has issued a wind advisory that is in effect until noon PST today, and gusty conditions are expected to continue through Tuesday, particularly affecting the mountains and deserts. The advisory warns of west winds blowing 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, strong enough to send unsecured items flying and potentially knock out power by bringing down tree limbs. Motorists, especially those in high profile vehicles, should take extra care. reports the NWS.
But it's not just the winds causing concern. The region is experiencing scattered light showers, which are projected to persist into the morning with the bulk of additional rainfall targeting the coastal slopes. The National Weather Service also foresees these conditions, including showers that might slap slickness onto roads, diminishing gradually from north to south. So, while you dodge those gusts, keep an eye on the asphalt too. According to National Weather Service San Diego, the showers should clear by Wednesday, making way for a drier and warmer midweek before another system kicks up the winds yet again.
Looking toward the weekend, the forecast does little to warm the hearts of the sun-craving. A cold low-pressure system near the West Coast is poised to flip the script, bringing a notable temperature drop and stronger onshore flow starting Friday. This chill isn't playing by half-measures, with mountain areas expecting a 15 to 20 degrees plunge below average by Sunday. So dig out those sweaters you thought you were done with until next winter.
Additionally, precipitation is on the menu for the weekend, potentially amounting to up to 1.5 inches in the higher elevations, where the snow level is forecasted to drop as low as 3500 feet by Sunday morning. Those planning desert treks should beware of the forecasted 70 mph wind gusts. If the idea of a wind-battered, wet weekend has you less than thrilled, local mariners can find solace in that no hazardous conditions are expected through Friday. But hold onto your hats come Saturday, as those stronger westerly winds might yet whip up conditions not so friendly for small craft, as outlined by the National Weather Service San Diego.
Finally, local Skywarn volunteers should stay alert, though activation has not yet been requested. All this to say, it's going to be a wild ride of a week, weather-wise, so stay safe and stay informed.
