According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, Southern California is set to experience a seesaw of temperatures this week. Following a slight dip below normal readings with highs today ranging from 61 to 71 degrees across various regions, temperatures are expected to climb well above average by Wednesday. Coastal areas should prepare to enjoy a balmy 65 to 75 degrees, while valleys and inland Orange County are predicted to hit a warm 75 to 80 degrees.
The short-lived cool down comes after a trough of low pressure moved through San Diego County, bringing showers and leaving behind low clouds predicted to dissipate by late morning. Forecasts suggest a predominantly sunny weekend, with temperatures in the 60s across the lowlands, 50s in the high desert, and 40s to 50s in the mountains. However, more offshore flow comes set to warm Southern California significantly mid-week, with some spots potentially reaching 80 degrees or higher - unusual for the shortest days of the year.
As per the NWS San Diego, fire weather conditions will be elevated due to the dry and warmer conditions prescribed by the pattern. Even though the expected northeast winds aren't projected to be especially fierce, the combination of dryness and warmth heightens the fire risk during this season.
Marine activities should see calmer seas by Saturday, with no hazardous weather expected through Tuesday. However, beachgoers are advised to be aware of minor tidal overflows each morning through Sunday due to astronomical high tides. "Breezy northwest winds in the outer coastal waters will continue to weaken this morning, and seas 5-6 ft gradually diminish today into Saturday," as highlighted in a recent NWS forecast discussion. This week has also witnessed a series of longer-period northwest swells that could elevate surf conditions.
In a rainfall update that may concern Southern California's long-term climate outlook, the region has only received 0.14 inches of rain since October 1st, a mere 8 percent of the normal amount for this period. If conditions remain arid, this year could rank as the third driest October through December interval in San Diego's 174-year recorded rainfall history. The NWS notes that the driest period occurred in 1929, followed by a very dry 2017. This year's fall will likely be another entry in the record books for drought conditions.
