Residents across Southern California might want to brace themselves for a theatrical shift in weather in the coming days. According to NWS San Diego, temperatures today will hover close to Thursday's, with coastal areas experiencing average highs and the mountains, deserts, and far inland valleys, seeing figures 5 to 10 degrees above average. As reported by NWS, coastal area temperatures will be between 69 and 77 degrees, whereas the high desert can expect temperatures from 84 to 87 degrees.
The weekend promises a slight uptick in warmth for the coast and valleys. However, a dramatic cooldown is expected next Tuesday, with plunging temperatures 15 to 20 degrees below average for the mountains and inland valleys. This much cooler air means we're looking at high temperatures, ranging from 61 to 64 in coastal areas to a brisk 46 to 55 in higher elevations.
More than just a chill in the air, there's wind to worry about, too. Come Monday afternoon, gusty west winds are forecasted to blow through desert regions onto the desert slopes of the mountains. Gusts could reach 35 to 45 mph, with even more powerful gusts up to 55 to 65 mph in northern Coachella Valley below the San Gorgonio Pass.
Marine conditions should remain hazard-free through the weekend for those planning to hit the beach or set sail. However, the Area Forecast Discussion warns of strong west-northwest winds kicking in by Monday, with potential gale conditions and 10-15 feet seas developing into Tuesday. Beachgoers, in particular, might face surf heights of 6-8 feet and strong rip currents, especially along San Diego County shores.
Skywarn, a volunteer weather spotter program for the National Weather Service, currently does not request activation. Nevertheless, spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions. Residents and visitors should be prepared for these changes, particularly when planning outdoor activities.
