San Diegans should brace for a breezy start to their week, with the National Weather Service forecasting gusty winds across the area. According to the NWS report, marine layer clouds are expected to redevelop overnight, with low clouds reaching further into the valleys by dawn on Monday. But the wind will grab your attention: "Drive with care across the mountains and deserts through Tuesday night as winds will be gusty," warns the NWS Forecast Office in San Diego. The weather office predicts gusts ranging from 25 to 35 MPH across the high desert and San Gorgonio Pass.
Temperatures are also expected to lay below average early this week, making a gradual ascent by Thursday as gusty north to northeast winds usher. The NWSSanDiego's X feed emphasized the high wind speeds expected on Monday: a few gusts near the San Gorgonio Pass may exceed 50 MPH. Residents near the San Diego-Imperial County boundary should be prepared for similarly strong winds.
The winds will return to the deserts Monday afternoon and continue overnight. A few gusts could exceed 50 MPH in the very windiest spots near San Gorgonio Pass and around the San Diego-Imperial County boundary. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/1UdgmOh1Md
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) March 10, 2024
The cooling trend is courtesy of an onshore flow ahead of a trough passing to our north, with the marine layer deepening enough for potential drizzle Monday night into Tuesday morning. On Wednesday, more pronounced cooling and stronger winds follow as an upper-level low moves from British Columbia through the Great Basin. This system's position remains key, as it will heavily influence our region's weather, pulling strings on everything from temperatures to the chances of seeing rain.
Mariners take note, the NWS advises: "Occasional gusts 20-25 knots are possible in the outer coastal waters during the afternoons and evenings through Wednesday." Boating conditions could become turbulent, particularly on Tuesday when wind speeds might tick enough to warrant a Small Craft Advisory. Sailors should stay apprised of updates through Friday as conditions can change with the wind.
Though the forecast fluctuates, San Diegans can anticipate a stirring mix of weather patterns this week — a seesaw of marine layers, gusty winds, and capricious temperatures.
