San Diego is bracing for a day of scattered showers and thunderstorms as monsoonal moisture rolls into the region. According to the National Weather Service San Diego, "Locally intense rain and gusty winds" are expected with any thunderstorms today, particularly as chances increase inland through the evening.
The NWS has also issued a Heat Advisory, noting that despite the forecasted showers, "it will be hot again today." Temperatures are slated to hit the upper 80s along the coast, and soar into the high 90s and lower 100s in the low desert areas. The mountains will have somewhat of a reprieve with cooler 70s and 80s. Leftovers of this heatwave should simmer down on the coast, but the inland areas will endure elevated temperatures until cooler trends take hold later in the week.
In further details provided by the Area Forecast Discussion of the NWS San Diego, "cloud-to-ground lightning, brief heavy downpours, and strong gusty winds to 40 to 50 mph" were specifically highlighted for today. The unsettled weather is attributed to an upper-level low pressure system ushering in increased monsoonal moisture from the southeast.
The forecast further indicates a downturn in storm activity from Wednesday to Friday, with thunderstorm chances mainly lingering in the mountains and deserts during the afternoon and early evening. By the weekend, "drier and gradually cooler" weather is anticipated, potentially providing some relief from the preceding heat and humidity. Despite the expected conditions, no Skywarn activation is requested; however, weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions, according to the NWS San Diego.
As for those with travel plans or outdoor activities, the changing weather conditions may bring additional risks. The NWS advises that "gusty and erratic winds, low visibility, and lightning will accompany any TSRA", making for a possibly tumultuous day, particularly for aviation and marine activities. Mariners should be warned of "SCT -SHRA and isold -TSRA" up until 02Z, afterwards no hazardous conditions are expected through Saturday.
