San Diegans should brace for a brisk weekend as a cool down sets in, and a Pacific storm gets ready to shake things up with wind and rain, the National Weather Service advised. According to NWS San Diego, coastal temperatures today will hover in the mid to upper 60s while inland valleys will see temperatures ranging from the upper 60s to mid 70s. Mountain regions are looking at chillier highs, landing in the 50s to lower 60s. Cooling is expected to continue inland come Friday as a low-pressure system from the West Coast impacts the weather.
As the weekend approaches, windy conditions are forecasted to intensify, with "gusts to 60 to 70 mph along the desert slopes of the mountains and to 40 mph for coastal areas," the NWS statement said, the strengthening onshore flow accompanying cooling and is bringing with it strong gusty west winds which are expected to be strongest for Saturday afternoon into Sunday evening. In terms of precipitation, the region will not only face rain but also snow, with the latter predicted to hit levels as low as 4500 feet by early Sunday morning.
Saturday's cold front is anticipated to drop a wet blanket across most areas extending from the coastline all the way up to the mountains, and the chance of showers is even likely in the deserts. NWS Weather Forecast states "There will be widespread wetting precipitation from the coast to the mountains with a chance of showers in the deserts." Following the weekend storm, Monday through Wednesday is expected to dry out with a gradual warming trend emerging, though temperatures are likely to remain below average.
Mariners and beachgoers, take note: hazardous marine conditions are on the horizon starting Saturday afternoon and persisting through Monday, with the likelihood of strong winds and high seas, particularly on Sunday which could lead to large short-period swell from the west-northwest, "could produce breaking surf of 8-10 feet Sunday night, highest in southern San Diego County," according to the NWS. Amidst these tumultuous conditions, Skywarn – the volunteer program of weather spotters for the National Weather Service – will not require activation, though spotters are encouraged to report significant conditions they observe.
