San Diego and surrounding areas brace for a spell of cool, wet, and windy conditions slated to last through Friday. An initial round of scattered light showers crept in today with chances of a mostly dry spell for certain pockets. Nevertheless, a more substantial downpour is forecasted for late tonight into early Thursday, along with the possibility of locally heavy rains through Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service San Diego reports that robust gusts are expected from Wednesday evening through Thursday, reaching the coast to the deserts.
According to the NWS San Diego's forecast, an atmospheric river will transport hefty levels of Integrated Water Vapor (IVT), nearly 500 kg, into Southern California by Thursday. Thunderstorms might emerge and, with them, an increased risk of flooding. "High resolution guidance is indicating rainfall rates of 0.50 to 0.75" per hour, locally up to 1" per hour where thunderstorms develop and in the mountains below the snow level," the National Weather Service explained. As the showers progress, the snow level is anticipated to drop significantly to 3,500 feet by Friday morning, boasting a hefty snowfall above 5,000 feet.
The brunt of the storm comes with sustained southwesterly winds set to intensify this afternoon, especially across mountain and desert regions. Gusts could escalate sharply along the desert slopes, propelling to forceful peaks between 50 to 60 mph, with isolated bursts potentially hitting 65 mph. These blustery conditions are slated to transition to westerly winds by Thursday, and a Wind Advisory will be in effect for vast swatches of the area, as outlined in the NWS advisory.
The impending tumultuous weather does not spare mariners and beachgoers. A Small Craft Advisory highlights that strong south winds will rise late tonight and swivel to the west by Thursday morning. The marine conditions are expected to turn hazardous, with gale-force winds in the forecast. Surfs are set to climb by Thursday, hitting heights of 3 to 6 feet, with the occasional 7-foot sets in San Diego County. "There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms and lightning strikes Thursday," added the National Weather Service. Following the storm on Friday, conditions should rapidly improve heading into the weekend.
