The San Diego region can expect a reprieve from the recent high temperatures, as a weather disturbance moving through Northern California brings cooler air and stronger breezes to the area today, according to the National Weather Service San Diego. Coastal communities will see greater coverage of morning low clouds over the weekend, which promises to break into patchier conditions next week as a warming trend takes hold.
San Diegans woke up this morning to marine layer low clouds pushed offshore, but they are making a gradual comeback and are expected to cover most of the coastal zones by about 8 am. The incoming trough of low pressure is responsible for the cooler, drier air that has swept in from the southwest, diminishing the threat of afternoon thunderstorms. Along with a stronger onshore flow, mountains and deserts will experience wind gusts ranging from 25 to 40 mph throughout Saturday afternoon and evening.
Temperatures are poised to climb again as the trough recedes to the northeast and high pressure from Texas exerts influence over the desert southwest. With this high-pressure system's westward expansion, the coast's marine layer is expected to thin, and there's potential for monsoonal moisture to move back into Southern California. However, the exact timing for the return of afternoon thunderstorms remains uncertain.
For aviation interests, consistent low cloud formation overnight brought bases down to 800-1200 feet MSL, reducing visibility from 1 to 5SM on higher coastal terrain and in western valleys. These low clouds are expected to scatter Saturday by 15-18Z, creating clearer skies for pilots. Gusty conditions following a similar pattern to yesterday are also predicted, with stronger winds gusting to 25-35 kt after 21Z in the mountains and deserts, potentially affecting flight operations with moderate up/downdrafts in lee of mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
Boaters have a clear outlook as well, with no hazardous marine conditions forecasted through Wednesday. Although Skywarn activation has not been requested, weather spotters remain encouraged to report significant conditions, as stated by the National Weather Service.
