San Diegans should brace themselves for a gusty day, as the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Diego reports westerly winds strengthening across the mountains and deserts this afternoon and evening. According to the NWS San Diego, the region can expect wind gusts ranging from 30 to 45 mph each afternoon, with more powerful gusts between 50 and 60 mph sweeping through mountain passes.
Those looking forward to a bit of a cool down will be pleased to hear that there's a significant dip in today’s temperatures, with inland highs dropping to 10-15 degrees below normal, although Sunday is expected to be somewhat warmer, the highs remain a few degrees below what’s usually expected this time of year, the dip in temperatures is due to an upper-level trough moving through which brings a cooler air mass. As per the National Weather Service San Diego, extensive marine layer low clouds are prevalent today, especially inland, where it will clear by late morning. However, the coastal areas may see at least partly cloudy skies stick around longer.
Regarding air travel, the marine influence has resulted in low clouds filling in across the coastal basin this morning, with bases sitting near 2500ft MSL, creating potential visibility issues in areas where these clouds meet higher terrain. For pilots navigating through the mountains and deserts, clear skies and unrestricted visibility are expected through early Sunday morning, but the advisory warns of westerly winds picking back up this afternoon with gusts between 30 and 50 knots, which could lead to some turbulence.
Mariners, meanwhile, have been advised of northwesterly wind gusts near 20 kts in the vicinity of San Clemente Island this afternoon, although no hazardous marine conditions are anticipated through Wednesday, according to the Area Forecast Discussion from the National Weather Service. Lastly, locals in the Apple and Lucerne Valleys, San Diego County Deserts, and near the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning should take note of the wind advisory in place until 11 PM PDT this evening.
