San Diegans might want to keep their light sweaters and rain gear handy as the weather for the beginning of the week seems insistent on staying cool and damp. According to NWS San Diego, temperatures will hover around five degrees Fahrenheit below average today, with coastal and valley areas reaching highs only in the 60s. Even with a slight warm-up expected Monday, conditions in Orange and San Bernardino County aren't predicted to hit the normal temperature range.
Commuters faced a dreary morning with widespread low clouds causing light rain, drizzle, and fog "from the coast to the mountain slopes into the early afternoon," as per the Area Forecast Discussion from the National Weather Service San Diego CA. While the rainfall is expected to taper off by this afternoon, the clouds will linger through the night, and precipitation chances will return for Monday through Wednesday. Despite the cool and wet start, the forecast hints at a reprieve just in time for Thanksgiving Day, with dry conditions and warmer temperatures on the horizon into next weekend.
In addition to the rain and cloud cover, mountain and desert areas experience strong gusty west winds. With gusts reaching 35 to 40 miles per hour, caution is advised in the mountain passes, canyons, and desert slopes throughout the afternoon. Conditions should slightly ease on Monday before picking up again heading into Tuesday. These patterns underscore the unpredictability of transitioning seasons, keeping Southern California on its toes.
As the skies eventually clear up later this week, "dry conditions are expected for the Thanksgiving holiday and into next weekend," with mostly fair weather returning for those festive gatherings, thanks to a weak ridge of high pressure warming things up a few degrees above average, according to NWS. The aviation sector is also set to take a breath of relief with mostly unrestricted visibility forecasted post-turmoil, ensuring smoother operations for holiday travel.
For maritime interests, the news is straightforward, with the NWS stating, "No hazardous marine weather is expected through Thursday." So, sailors and those heading to the ocean can expect smooth waters. Residents are, nevertheless, urged to remain vigilant and keep up with the latest updates given the dynamic nature of weather patterns this time of year.
