The National Weather Service in San Diego is forecasting significant weather events that are expected to hit Southern California, beginning today and stretching through the end of the week. According to an early morning update, Southern Californians should brace themselves for showers and possibly thunderstorms Wednesday into Thursday, accompanied by potentially strong winds and heavy mountain snowfall. The NWS San Diego cautions that rainfall from the first of two Pacific low-pressure systems could range from one-third to two-thirds of an inch from the coast to the mountains, with some areas seeing over an inch.
Wednesday and Thursday are to welcome a second low-pressure system, which is expected to intensify the weather conditions. As we move inland, the low-pressure system will likely result in widespread and heavier precipitation, particularly from late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. The snow level is projected to fall TO around 4000 feet by Thursday afternoon, according to the Area Forecast Discussion published by the National Weather Service San Diego. In the mountains, snow accumulation may reach 12 to 18 inches at elevations between 6500 to 7500 feet, with the snow level lowering to between 3000 and 3500 feet early Friday morning.
Gusty southwest winds are expected to turn westerly on Thursday and could reach highs of 30 to 40 mph for the coast and valleys. The desert slopes of the mountains might experience even stronger gusts, ranging up to 50-60 mph, with isolated gusts potentially hitting 75 mph. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the Riverside and San Bernardino County mountains from Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning, while a similar watch will be in effect for the San Diego County Mountains from Thursday morning.
Marine conditions are set to become hazardous as well, with strong southeast winds generating rough seas expected to diminish by late afternoon. The NWS advises mariners to be cautious, especially with a slight chance of thunderstorms that could produce locally hazardous conditions. Beachgoers should also anticipate high surf and rip currents, with the potential of thunderstorms and lightning strikes posing their risks. This week, the pattern of storms hitting the area is also anticipated to bring elevated surf conditions of 3 to 6 feet with sets up to 7 feet.
As the weekend approaches, forecasts suggest a brief respite with drier conditions and near-average temperatures expected on Sunday. However, early next week, the weather could take another turn, with chances of additional precipitation looming around late Monday into Tuesday.
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