SoCal residents, brace yourselves for a stormy weekend. The National Weather Service San Diego is forecasting a few degrees cooler temperatures today, followed by a roller coaster of weather conditions, including strong gusty winds and considerable precipitation. Highs are expected to range from the lower 60s near the coast to the mid 80s in the lower deserts.
The Area Forecast Discussion outlines that "A low pressure system from the northwest will bring greatest precipitation over the weekend from the coast to the mountains with 6 inches or more of snowfall possible in the mountains above 6000 feet." The descent of a cold front on Saturday will usher in these changes with rainfalls of up to circa 1 to 1.5 inches in the mountains for parts of Orange, southwestern San Bernardino, and western Riverside Counties.
Alongside the downpour, the region is anticipating a whiteout. Snow levels are projected to drop from 6500 to 7000 feet Saturday morning to around 4500 feet early Sunday. Accumulation below 5000 feet is expected to be less than 3 inches, while higher elevations could see as much as 12 to 18 inches above 7500 feet.
It's not just the mountains to get hit; the coasts and valleys will face their own set of challenges. Over the coastal waters, the NWS warns of strong northwest winds kicking up hazardous sea conditions from Saturday afternoon through Monday. A Gale Watch is in effect with gusts hitting 30 to 35 knots and waves towering at 9 to 13 feet by late Sunday. "Gusty west winds will also strengthen on Saturday and continue into Sunday evening with the strongest winds along the desert slopes of the mountains," according to reports. Skywarn activation is not requested, however, weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions.
For those hitting the beaches on Sunday, caution is advised as big waves up to 8-10 feet are anticipated, especially in southern San Diego County. Once the storm passes, calmer skies are on the horizon with forecasts predicting drier conditions and a mild warming trend for Monday and Tuesday. Yet, another low pressure system could make a midweek appearance, bringing light showers around Wednesday night. The unpredictable weather underscores the ebb and flow of transitioning seasons in the Golden State.
