San Diego weather is heating up today, but don't break out those sunglasses just yet. According to the National Weather Service, the region should prepare for a cooling trend from Thursday through Saturday. The marine layer will deepen, bringing night and morning low clouds that stretch well inland, dampening the typically sunny skies.
The marine layer, sitting cozy around 2500 to 3000 feet deep, has extended its reach across coastal areas and is pressing into the valleys of San Diego County. Our friends in the Inland Empire should expect some cloud cover as early as sunrise. Forecasters predict "periods of stronger and gusty southwest to west winds for the mountains and deserts with the stronger gusts to 40 to 50 mph on Friday and Saturday," so it may be smart to secure those outdoor umbrellas.
The beaches and valleys won't be the only ones feeling the chill, as the lower deserts, typically scorchers, are also set for some relief. Highs today will hover in the 90s there, but by Friday, temperatures throughout the region are expected to tumble 10 to 15 degrees below average.
Gusty conditions will persist through Saturday, especially in the desert's high country and sandy stretches. These winds will kick up sand and cause potential hazards. The marine layer will stick around like an unwanted houseguest into the weekend, potentially bringing some patchy drizzle for a damp and dreary start to Saturday morning.
High pressure from the south is set to bring the heat back starting Sunday. Memorial Day sun-seekers can rejoice as the deserts' temperatures climb a few degrees above average. By mid-next week, we might see more sun with coastal low clouds forecasted to be less clingy, sticking only to portions of the valleys.
Mariners should note that Northwest wind gusts are expected to hit 20 knots come Friday afternoon, which could last through the weekend. Sailors, it’s wise to be wary when heading to sea during this time. And for those landlubbers, the weather service cautions that spotters should report any significant conditions despite no requested Skywarn activation.
