San Diego residents can expect a mix of weather this week, with a notable warming trend ahead, according to the latest updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Diego. While today's coastal highs will linger between 60 to 64 degrees, the inland valleys may see temperatures ranging from 59 to 67 degrees, and the mountains between 4000 and 7000 feet are set to experience cooler highs of 45 to 54 degrees, as reported by NWS San Diego.
The region has been grappling with strong and gusty west winds, especially along the desert slopes of the mountains, where gusts reached 55 to 65 mph—but these winds are anticipated to weaken into the afternoon, becoming northwesterly before diminishing. Yet, rain and snow showers in higher elevations have added one-tenth to one-third inch of liquid-equivalent above snow level. The San Bernardino Mountains even received locally up to three-quarters of an inch as "gusty west winds will continue in the mountains and deserts into this morning," the NWS forecast discussion details.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, temperatures are expected to jump significantly for coastal and valley areas, with coastal regions foreseeing highs between 65 to 76 degrees and inland valleys warming up to a comfortable 68 to 75 degrees, while the deserts will see less change; a weather pattern attributed to a weak offshore flow that's moving in.
However, the forecast doesn't stop there. "Strengthening high pressure aloft near the West Coast will bring much warmer weather for early next week, as much as 10 to 15 degrees above average for the valleys with high temperatures for the inland valleys reaching the mid 80s to around 90," the NWS discussion continues. The NWS anticipates even the lower deserts hitting the lower to mid-90s next Monday and Tuesday. These temperatures harken the onset of Southern California's pre-summer heat.
Travel remains tricky, with aviation and marine operations facing challenges due to weather conditions. The strong winds over the mountains and deserts are likely to continue until midmorning, causing moderate to strong updrafts and downdrafts, likely affecting flights into and out of the area. Mariners, meanwhile, are cautioned against hazardous boating conditions due to persistent northwest winds and high seas with a Gale Warning and Small Craft Advisory in place until later this morning, as outlined by the NWS San Diego's marine section.
On the coast, beachgoers ought to be wary as elevated surf conditions, reaching 3 to 6 feet with higher sets up to 7 feet, especially in southern San Diego County, enhance the risk of strong rip currents and make for potentially hazardous swimming conditions, a sentiment echoed in the NWS San Diego's beaches advisory.
