SoCal residents can look forward to a minor warming trend kicking off this workweek, a relief following isolated light showers expected to end this morning. According to the National Weather Service's forecast office in San Diego, the mountains are expected to feel the greatest warming today.
The forecast indicates that the warming trend is set to slowly intensify Tuesday, with temperatures predicted to rise 1 to 5 degrees higher than today. San Diego County will experience isolated light showers persisting through approximately 10 AM, after which the rest of the day promises dry but cool weather. The Area Forecast Discussion adds that strong winds gradually weaken today, affecting mainly the desert slopes and through the San Gorgonio Pass, with gusts typically ranging from 30-45 mph.
As the week progresses, the marine layer is expected to remain deep, bringing night and morning low clouds and fog, especially through mid-week. However, a significant warm-up is on the horizon for Friday and Saturday, after which a slow cooling-off period will begin early next week. In terms of precipitation, another round may be just around the corner on Wednesday into Thursday, with possible implications for the snow levels in the mountains.
For those with ocean plans, be advised that a High Surf Advisory remains in effect until 9 AM PST this morning for San Diego County beaches. "Surf of 3 to 6 feet, up to 7 feet in San Diego County, will gradually subside today," states the advisory. Swimmers and surfers should take extra caution as rip currents are expected to stay strong throughout the day.
In terms of aviation travel, the National Weather Service predicts coastal and valley areas will see scattered to broken low clouds with the potential for isolated light rain in San Diego County until 10 AM. By evening, conditions are expected sharply to clear up. Meanwhile, gusty winds will also impact mountain areas today with moderate updrafts, downdrafts, and local low-level wind shear, particularly on the lee slopes.
Boaters should also heed caution, with a Small Craft Advisory in place until 9 AM PST this morning due to west to northwest winds up to 28 knots and choppy seas, which are set to decrease throughout the day. Further out, the forecast hints at potentially hazardous marine conditions returning late Thursday.
