Southern Californians are bracing for a weekend of cool temperatures and scattered showers as a trough of low pressure sweeps across the region. According to the National Weather Service San Diego, coastal and valley areas will experience highs in the 60s, while mountain areas can expect highs in the 40s and 50s. The high desert will see highs in the 60s and the lower desert in the 70s and low 80s today.
Light showers are set to begin this afternoon and evening, intensifying on Sunday afternoon and evening. The mountains above 6,000 feet are preparing to potentially receive snow showers. The Weather Service has forecasted several inches of snow for the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains above 7,000 feet this weekend, prompting the issuance of a Winter Weather Advisory for impacted regions. This advisory has been reported to last through Sunday evening, with "snow levels around 5500-6500 feet on Saturday will fall to 4500-5500 feet Sunday," adding to the possibility of challenging travel conditions in the higher elevations.
In a statement provided by NWS Forecast Office San Diego, rain totals through Sunday night are expected to vary. Coastal and valley zones may receive 0.05-0.30 inches, albeit with higher amounts predicted for Orange and San Bernardino Counties. The mountains could accumulate between 0.25-1.00 inches of rain, with the bulk occurring in San Bernardino County. Conversely, the lower deserts are predicted to remain dry through the period.
The weekend's weather isn't just about precipitation; it's also set to be a windy one. Gusts of 40-60 mph have been reported for the mountain and desert areas for Saturday afternoon and evening. Additionally, a Wind Advisory is in effect for parts of the region including the San Bernardino County Mountains, according to the Area Forecast Discussion provided by the National Weather Service. Coastal and valley areas will to also feel the impact with gusts up to 25 mph. Another round of gusty winds will follow on Sunday afternoon and evening as the weather system continues its movement over Southern California. These conditions may not only make driving hazardous but could also affect marine navigation, with the San Diego area waters under a Small Craft Advisory due to south winds with gusts between 20 and 25 knots.
As the low-pressure system moves east by Monday, a dry spell coupled with warming temperatures is forecasted for the middle of the next week. This anticipated respite offers a glimpse of relief after a weekend that will require residents to layer up, drive cautiously, and maybe even pull out the rain boots.
