San Diegans braced themselves for a marked change in weather as the National Weather Service San Diego forecasted cooler temperatures and strong winds across the region. According to the NWS forecast, coastal areas should expect highs in the mid-60s to the lower 70s, with the valleys and high desert areas seeing 70s and the low desert in the 90s. Residents in mountainous regions and desert slopes were warned to anticipate especially robust gusts reaching 45-55 mph, with the possibility of winds up to 60 mph through certain passes.
Along with the dip in mercury, strong westerly winds have picked up momentum in the mountains and deserts, part of a significant cooling trend that began Monday and persisted into Tuesday. While escalating winds tuned to gusts exceeding 40 mph through several mountain passes, the descent into cooler climes has been almost as palpable, with weekend high temperatures in the valleys dropping nearly 35 degrees. This cooling was starkly contrasted by record heats experienced just the previous weekend.
Moreover, according to NWS discussions, the marine layer is expected to deepen, leading to conditions ripe for patchy drizzle across coastal basins and even light showers likely in the foothills. Although precipitation is forecasted to be negligible, isolated areas in the foothills might receive up to 0.20 inches. The weather disturbances are attributed to a trough of low pressure diving down the coast and amplifying through the West, altering weather patterns for the next weekend.
The cooler temperatures and overcast skies are set to last, with the NWS 7-Day Forecast for San Diego predicting mostly cloudy days ahead and highs hovering in the mid- to upper 60s throughout the week. Despite clouds gradually clearing at times, San Diegans should prepare for a predominantly cloudy week, with the promise of sunshine breaking through intermittently. As for marine conditions, a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through late Tuesday night, with strong west-northwest winds posing a challenge for mariners, particularly near San Clemente Island.
As the city steadies itself for a week of weather-related ups and downs, the NWS urges residents and visitors to stay informed and cautious, especially when traversing mountain areas or navigating the coast, where conditions can quickly prove hazardous. Though no Skywarn activations are requested, weather spotters remain on alert to report significant weather conditions that could impact the community.
