San Diego

San Diego Braces for Windy Weather with Gusts Up to 45 MPH in Mountains and Deserts

AI Assisted Icon
Published on December 27, 2024
San Diego Braces for Windy Weather with Gusts Up to 45 MPH in Mountains and DesertsSource: AndyrooP, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As the Pacific storm skirts the region's northern edge, San Diegans should prepare for a blustery day ahead. According to NWS San Diego, the mountain ridges, desert slopes, and high desert areas will especially feel the impact, with gusty westerly winds reaching up to 45 mph in places. "Widespread gusts up to 35 mph are anticipated for mountain ridges and desert slopes," the NWS San Diego report states, ensuring that locals in those areas should take the necessary precautions.

In a light twist, temperatures across the San Diego region won't be as warm as the previous Thursday, dropping slightly to create more bearable conditions amidst the strong winds. However, by Saturday, people can expect a rise in mercury, with inland areas seeing highs "7-12 degrees above normal," as the NWS San Diego mentioned. This could be the ideal window for those planning a weekend outing, with milder weather conditions on the horizon.

The upcoming forecast also points to a complex weather dance, per the detailed  NWS San Diego's Area Forecast Discussion analysis. The chorus of gusty winds will accompany a "shallow marine layer with the potential for dense fog," a symptom of the upper ridge building from the southwest. Outdoor enthusiasts and commuters should be mindful of potentially tricky driving conditions, especially during the early morning hours when fog is likely most dense.

Marine interests should take note as well. "Long period west-northwesterly swells will continue through early next week," reports indicate via NWS, emphasizing stronger flows near San Clemente Island later into the afternoon. Conditions at sea will feature swells ranging from 3-9 feet, which may pose risks for those less experienced. On another swell-related note, surfers and beachgoers are advised to be cautious as "elevated surf of 4-7 feet is expected to continue through early next week," potentially resulting in minor coastal flooding during the morning high tides.

There's no call for activation for citizens aligned with the Skywarn network, but reports of significant weather conditions remain welcome. And while the winds may pick up and the surf might rise, San Diegans can rest assured that, for now, no severe weather advisories are in place, promising the return to milder conditions as the weekend progresses.