The weather in San Diego has shifted towards slightly cooler temperatures, with an increase in cloud coverage. This cooling trend comes after higher temperatures in the preceding days, with the NWS noting a rise in subtropical moisture that may bring light rain and possible thunderstorms, especially over the mountains, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) San Diego.
More specifically, the NWS forecasts scattered light showers as most widespread across the mountains and San Diego County. Small chances of showers are set to continue into Monday, primarily over the mountains, before increasing for Tuesday. Unfortunately, the conditions are likely to grow even cloudier into next week. "By Tuesday, the low will continue to meander and slowly transition towards Socal, which will allow for a better chance of more widespread precipitation," an area forecast discussion released by the NWS San Diego detailed. Thunderstorms might accompany the showers due to orographic lifting.
Inland areas, including regions in Orange and San Diego counties, can expect low clouds and possible patchy fog, particularly in wind-sheltered valleys. Gusty winds in the afternoon could also occur through mountain passes and canyons. The NWS San Diego's report adds that the weather pattern is influenced by an upper-level trough currently to the west of California, which is expected to modify the marine layer and mix with the subtropical moisture. "This feature is currently over the eastern Pacific waters west of California, and continue to deepen," the NWS San Diego reported.
Looking ahead to the middle of the week, the precipitation chances diminish as the region becomes more "dry-slotted," with a slight warming of temperatures expected on Wednesday. However, there is still a chance of showers and a thunderstorm later in the week as the trough deepens. "Since the low will be to the northeast, and predominantly on the more stable side, there will only be a very slight chance of showers," the NWS San Diego mentioned. By the weekend, conditions are predicted to be cooler and drier, as San Diego heads into what appears to be relatively consistently mild weather.
On the marine side, visibility could be reduced by occasional rain showers across the waters today and again on Tuesday. There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms over the waters, where any storm could produce lightning and gusty winds. Despite these possible disturbances, no significant marine hazards are anticipated through Thursday. Beachgoers should note that thunderstorm chances are expected to return early Tuesday, peaking in the afternoon, possibly extending into early Wednesday.
