San Diego

SoCal Weather: Cooler Temps and Thunderstorms in Store for San Diego, with Gusts up to 75 MPH Forecasted for Coachella Valley

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Published on May 01, 2025
SoCal Weather: Cooler Temps and Thunderstorms in Store for San Diego, with Gusts up to 75 MPH Forecasted for Coachella ValleySource: vagueonthehow from Tadcaster, York, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

SoCal weather, always an unpredictable beast, is at it once again. NWS San Diego reports that today's temperatures won't stray far from Wednesday's, staying around five degrees below average in the western valleys and inland Orange County. Expect the coastal zones to hang between 64 and 69 degrees, while inland areas might see a tepid 68 to 76. Those venturing into the mountains or desert will experience a notable dip or rise, respectively.

Things are heating up tomorrow. Friday's forecasts suggest a "few degrees warmer than Thursday," with up to a five-degree jump in the mountains. If you're planning to coast through the end of the week, temperatures along the shoreline should sit comfortably in the mid-60s. However, daring enough to head for the high desert can brace for a scorching 76 to 82 degrees. As per the NWS San Diego, a chance of showers looms over southwestern San Bernardino County.

And if you're the adventurous type with a weekend desert trip in the cards, it might be worth reconsidering your itinerary. "Areas of stronger and gusty southwest to west winds for the mountains and deserts for Saturday afternoon through Sunday," warns the forecast office of NWS San Diego. Gales could reach 40 to 50 mph, with isolated gusts in the northern Coachella Valley snarling at a ferocious 65 to 75 mph.

Adding a dash of moodiness to the mix, a cold gift courtesy of the Gulf of Alaska swoops down upon us. It brings along "cool, gusty and wet weather to Southern California," as NWS San Diego poetically states. Late Saturday might see the first drops, with Sunday set to be the main event, potentially stretching its watery fingers into Monday. Don't expect a deluge, though – precipitation may barely touch 0.1" across the lower coastal basin. However, keep an eye out for thunder due to the "cold upper level air with this system," the forecast advises.

Flying or sailing into the weekend? Pilots and sailors should note that "isolated thunderstorms after 20Z Thursday in the High Desert and San Bernardino County Mtns" are possible. This could mean visibility restrictions and a choppy ride, according to the most recent Area Forecast Discussion from the National Weather Service San Diego.