
The relentless Santa Ana winds battering San Diego County mountains are expected to persist, blowing in with gusts ranging from a hefty 60 to 70 mph, and some areas bracing for even more potent isolated gusts tipping 70 to 80 mph today. The fiercest of these winds are forecasted to lash the region from sunrise into the afternoon while the region is also grappling with an abysmally dry climate, the humidity dropping to as low as 2% inland, according to a report from the National Weather Service San Diego.
As for temperatures, coastal areas are basking in warmth with highs treading between a balmy 80 to 85 degrees, but a striking contrast is found in the high desert's more modest range of 59 to 63 degrees. Additionally, worsening fire weather conditions remain a significant threat through Friday morning, with critical low humidity values tagged between 5% to as minimal as 5 percent or even less today and recovery at night limping to a meager 5 to 15 percent, reports the National Weather Service San Diego.
Meanwhile, the advent of the weekend heralds a meteorological shift, introducing a crisp low-pressure system descending from the north, which promises to cast a cooling pall across the region and bring about widespread showers and the possibility of thunderstorms for Sunday through Monday. This upcoming change should grant a reprieve from the sweltering heat, with the coastal and valley temperatures taking a plunge into the more moderate 50s and lower 60s come Sunday and Monday and the higher mountains witnessing highs stumbling to figures 15 to 20 degrees below the norm.
Beyond the immediate threat of the Santa Ana winds and the tinder-dry conditions that warrant a Red Flag Warning in effect until Friday morning, the impending weather transition means substantial wetting rainfall and as much snowfall in the mountains is on the table, especially Sunday and Monday, with snow levels predicted to dance between 3500 to 4000 feet on Monday, heralding significant snow accumulations starting at elevations around 7000 feet, effectively painting the landscape in generous strokes of wintry white.
For seafarers, the marine forecast indicates offshore winds with isolated gusts nearing 20 kts persisting into early Friday. However, those navigating the waters should watch for the slight chance of thunderstorms on Sunday that may dispense capriciously gusty winds and volatile sea conditions. Skywarn activation remains on standby, though weather spotters are reminded to stay vigilant and report any significant weather phenomena that might rear their heads.