Residents across Southern California are bracing for a warm surge as temperatures are expected to soar above seasonal averages this week with the onset of weak to moderate strength Santa Ana winds. According to NWS San Diego, the coastal regions and western valleys can anticipate a 5 to 10-degree uptick in warmth, with coastal areas hitting between 71 to 80 degrees on Wednesday.
The warm spell is accompanied by gusty northerly Santa Ana winds, which will impact portions of Orange and southwestern San Bernardino Counties this afternoon. The winds are forecasted to extend southward into Riverside and San Diego Counties by this evening as they veer more northeasterly. "The winds will continue into Wednesday morning, then gradually weaken for Wednesday afternoon and evening," NWS San Diego's statement elucidated.
Alongside the rising temperatures, humidity levels are expected to plummet on Wednesday, dropping to a parched 10 to 15 percent in inland areas. This dry spell heightens fire weather potential, however, as noted by NWS San Diego, only isolated areas in either time or place might briefly reach red flag criteria for Wednesday afternoon, especially below the Cajon Pass and Banning Pass.
Looking ahead to the weekend, a cooling trend is projected, albeit Sunday temperatures will persist at 8 to 12 degrees above the norm for the mountains, deserts, and inland valleys. Despite the cooler atmosphere, NWS San Diego's Area Forecast Discussion emphasizes that "low-pressure systems moving inland to the north bringing generally weak onshore flow to southern California."
Amidst these weather developments, marine conditions are expected to remain non-threatening through Saturday, and Skywarn activation has not been requested. Nonetheless, spotters are encouraged to report any significant weather occurrences. As always, the community is urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions against the potential weather-related risks the week might present.
