San Diegans are experiencing a cooling trend expected to stick around through the week, with gusty winds hitting the mountains and deserts. The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Diego forecasts high temperatures in the lower 60s near the coast and mostly in the 60s for the valleys today, with a slight dip in temperature anticipated for Wednesday. Coastal mountain slopes may feel a bit chillier with highs mostly in the 50s for elevations from 4500 to 7000 feet tonight.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the NWS warns of "gusty southwest to west winds continuing for the mountains and deserts into Friday evening," with the strongest gusts reaching up to 65 mph in the northern Coachella Valley below the San Gorgonio Pass. The blustery conditions introduce the possibility of blowing dust and sand, so travelers and residents should stay alert. They may be strong enough to prompt a Wind Advisory by Wednesday afternoon and evening, per NWS San Diego's Area Forecast Discussion.

Meanwhile, San Diego's coastal and inland valley regions are stuck under a deep marine layer, which the NWS describes as "around 4000 feet with an extensive low cloud field over the coastal waters" extending to the coastal mountain slopes. This condition is coupled with areas of drizzle, especially during nighttime and mornings, as reported by the NWS on their official X account. This overcast pattern is due to continue up until Friday. The deep marine layer and drizzle have led to reduced visibility and areas of drizzle late Monday evening with the depth of the saturated cloud layer increased to around 2500 feet.

The marine layer has deepened to around 4000 feet with low clouds extending inland to the lower coastal mountain slopes. The saturated cloud layer has increased to around 2500 feet with areas of drizzle for portions of the coast and valleys. This will continue overnight. #cawx pic.twitter.com/GtxNUnPTAQ

— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) April 23, 2024

While mariners may have smooth sailing through Thursday, the NWS forecasts a shift later in the week with "stronger northwest winds and choppy seas arrive late Thursday and continue into early Saturday," likely generating rough conditions at sea, particularly in outer waters. After Friday, the region is expected to see a warming trend with weaker winds, leading to high temperatures around 5 degrees above average by Monday indicates the extended NWS forecast.