SoCal is bracing for a surge in temperature and monsoonal moisture as the National Weather Service (NWS) San Diego forecasts a significant rise in heat levels coupled with increased chances of showers and thunderstorms into the weekend. According to NWS San Diego, highs on Thursday and Friday will hit 3-10 degrees above the daily average inland, while temperatures are expected to cool slightly on Saturday but remain above-normal.
Inland dwellers should prepare for peak temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the lower 80s near the coast, and up to a sizzling 112 to 116 in the lower deserts on Friday. "The heat is expected to peak for most areas today and Friday," the Area Forecast Discussion by NWS San Diego stated, noting a possibility for showers and thunderstorms over the weekend, particularly during the afternoon and early evening for the mountains and deserts. Meanwhile, coastal areas will see low clouds and fog at night and in the morning, but these will be "patchier" and localized inland.
Adding to the heat advisory, there's also an increased chance of monsoonal showers and thunderstorms throughout the weekend. The NWS forecast discussion highlighted that "model guidance generally shows a mix of elevated convection moving along in south to southeast flow aloft as well as some diurnally-driven convection tied to the mountains," with the highest chances for storms on Saturday. Potential rainfall from the weather activity is mostly expected to be less than one-half inch, keeping the threat of significant storm-related incidents low.
The NWS outlook extends into next week, predicting a progressive cooling pattern and drying of monsoonal moisture with decreased shower and thunderstorm chances as the week progresses. High temperatures on Sunday are anticipated to be "a few degrees cooler than Saturday," followed by a gradual decline to around average by next Wednesday. The long-term forecast assures no hazardous marine conditions through Tuesday, although it's always wise for mariners and beach-goers to stay aware of changing conditions.
