San Diegans are in for a continued warm-up with temperatures slated to soar above seasonal norms, according to the latest National Weather Service San Diego reports. Inland regions are especially bracing for a hot spell on Wednesday and Thursday, urging residents to stay hydrated, reduce time under the sun, and wear lightweight clothing. Coastal areas should see some respite beginning on Thursday as a cooling trend makes its gradual inroad, providing a much-needed break from the heat.
Forecasters predict Wednesday's high temps to rise "10 to 15 degrees above average for the coast and valleys and around 10 degrees above average for the lower deserts," signaling a day that could sizzle with discomfort if precautions are not heeded. "High temperatures on Wednesday will range from the lower to mid 70s near the coast to the 90s for the Inland Empire with 102 to 107 for the lower deserts," notes the Area Forecast Discussion. Those sensitive to heat should be aware of moderate HeatRisk and prepare accordingly.
The warmth is attributable to a shallow marine layer limited to coastal areas, keeping the cooling sea breeze at bay. Yet, this layer should deepen by the weekend, allowing night and morning low clouds to spread into portions of the inland valleys. "The marine layer will then deepen into the weekend with night and morning coastal low clouds spreading into portions of the inland valleys with more limited or slower afternoon clearing near the coast," according to the NWS San Diego's Moderate HeatRisk notice.
Moreover, the aviation forecast indicates minimal disruption due to this heat event, with clear conditions and unrestricted visibility expected for most areas, save for some patchy coastal fog. "Patchy low clouds redevelop again tonight with lower bases, closer to 500-800ft MSL and more VIS restrictions, likely down to 2-5SM for coastal mesas after 07z," a concern only for those on the coast. Weekend mariners should also be alert, as gusts near San Clemente Island could approach 20 knots Friday afternoon and evening, per the National Weather Service.
No immediate Skywarn activations have been requested, but as always, weather spotters are on standby to report significant conditions. As the week progresses, San Diego residents can look forward to a return to average temperatures and a more persistent marine layer providing breaths of cooler air.
