As the week comes to a close, southern California residents are advised to keep their umbrellas handy. The National Weather Service (NWS) San Diego has forecasted a chance of morning showers across the region, specifically noting a higher likelihood in southwestern San Bernardino County and areas of San Diego County. In the afternoon, the NWS anticipates showers to sweep southwestward, with the highest coverage expected in southwestern San Bernardino and western Riverside Counties. Thunderstorms are also on the agenda, mainly north of San Diego County, which could elevate the need for cautious travel.
NWS San Diego's latest statement marks this weather pattern as a result of a low-pressure system gliding across southern California. In addition to today's showers and thunderstorm chances, forecasters have observed that this system is prompting significantly cooler temperatures, as much as 15 to 20 degrees below average for the mountains and inland valleys. With the Inland Empire seeing highs primarily in the 70s, residents accustomed to the heat may find a brief respite in these cooler conditions.
The weekend promises a shift in the weather narrative. We're set to experience dry conditions and a warming trend, with inland high temperatures expected to climb around 5 degrees above average by Monday, according to the Area Forecast Discussion released by the NWS. Fair and seasonal temperatures are projected to carry the region through midweek. Still, forecasters also point towards a varying spread in temperature forecasts for coastal and valley regions from Tuesday through Thursday.
While the risk of persistent rainfall appears low, there's a chance for heavier precipitation, particularly in the San Bernardino Mountains, where rainfall could reach one-half to three-quarters of an inch and the potential for isolated heavier downpours. With these atmospheric dynamics at play, the chance of sudden thunderstorms looming in the backdrop around the San Bernardino Mountains can't be ruled out, especially on Friday afternoon, as stated by NWS SanDiego's X post. Residents traveling in these conditions should proceed with increased vigilance on potentially slippery roadways.
The last portion of our weather system will move through on Friday, and with it comes a chance for scattered showers. Scattered thunderstorms may even be possible in areas surrounding the San Bernadino Mountains Friday afternoon. Drive carefully on wet roads! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/5fAglbLqst
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) September 19, 2024
Maritime conditions are slated to remain tame, with no hazardous outlook expected through Tuesday, offering a silver lining for seafarers amid a flurry of shower and thunderstorm advisories. As for the rest of southern California, a proactive approach to weather preparedness and heeding the latest updates from local NWS reports will ensure safety and readiness during this dynamic meteorological phase.
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