San Diego residents can expect a gusty weekend ahead as a system from the northwest strengthens onshore winds across the region. Sustained winds will be 25-35 mph, and gusts will reach 45-55 mph in mountainous and desert slope areas. According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, some wind-prone canyons and passes could see even higher gusts up to 70 mph.
Light rain is also on the horizon, though chances for measurable precipitation have decreased, with some areas in the Inland Empire potentially staying dry, and most other regions receiving less than 0.05" total, as reported by the NWS. Cooler temperatures are expected over the weekend, with highs reaching up to 15 degrees below normal in the inland valleys. A shortwave trough moving southeast in the mean northwest flow over the west coast, has resulted in a deepened marine layer, potentially producing patchy drizzle this morning west of the mountains.
The gusty conditions are poised to peak this afternoon into the evening, potentially bringing blowing dust and sand in deserts and reducing visibility. "The winds have begun to strengthen, and the wind-prone locations in the mtn passes have begun to report wind gusts of 35-50 mph," the National Weather Service mentions. The low-pressure system will move eastward by Sunday, allowing for a dry and warming trend as weak high pressure builds over the west coast.
Looking ahead to next week, locals can anticipate a shallower marine layer and periods of locally gusty offshore winds from Monday morning through the afternoon. The offshore breezes are expected to hit their stride "late Monday morning with local wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph on the coastal slopes of the San Bernardino Mtns, in the northern parts of the IE and in the Santa An Mtns," the Area Forecast Discussion elaborates. Meanwhile, beachgoers should note that elevated 4-6 feet surf by Sunday could elevate rip current risks. The recent updates do not call for Skywarn activation but encourage weather spotters to report any significant conditions.
