San Diegans can look forward to a mix of cloud cover and sunshine going into the weekend, with temperatures gradually rising above average, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) San Diego. Coastal areas today will see highs ranging from 67 to 72, while western valleys and inland Orange County can expect a warmer 71 to 76. Inland valleys will sit comfortably between 72 and 82, with the mountains at 4000 to 7000 ft enjoying 66 to 77. Residents in the high and low deserts will experience the heat with temperatures from 85 to 91 and 94 to 98, respectively, as reported on NWS San Diego.
A warming trend is anticipated towards the weekend, peaking Sunday and Monday at a few to around 5 degrees above average for coastal areas to 5 to 10 degrees above average in the mountains and deserts. Meanwhile, the marine layer is expected to become shallower, causing night and morning coastal low clouds not to spread as far into the valleys early next week, as detailed in the Area Forecast Discussion by NWS San Diego. Moreover, the forecast looks dry for Friday, which is heading into the weekend.
For those apprehensive about recent showers and thunderstorms, the NWS discussion indicates, "there will be greater drying of the well above seasonal precipitable water values for the coast and valleys for today and Thursday with slower drying for the mountains and deserts." The odds for rainfall are dipping too, "with chances for measurable rainfall decreasing from 15 to 25 percent today to 10 to 15 percent for Thursday." The marine layer's depth is predicted to shrink from its current 3000 feet deep, potentially decreasing drizzle that has been common in the San Diego County coast and valleys.
Recreational boaters and maritime enthusiasts have no cause for concern as benign marine conditions are expected through Sunday. The aviation sector, however, will see varied conditions. Coastal valleys can anticipate fluctuating ceilings between 800-3000 feet MSL, with visibility sometimes restricted to 2- 5 SM in drizzle and fog. After 16- 18Z, clearing is predicted inland, and 18- 20Z near the coast, although some BKN may persist through the afternoon in San Diego County. For the mountains and deserts, morning clouds at 10000-15000 feet MSL will give way to isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms, before turning mostly clear after 01Z, communicated the NWS San Diego.
Skywarn, the NWS's voluntary program of weather spotters, has not been activated, but individuals are encouraged to report significant weather conditions. With the weekend approaching and the forecast promising a mix of sun and clouds, San Diegans can adjust their plans accordingly for what appears to be a typical Southern California mix of mild warmth and marine influence.
