As Southern California heads into the weekend, the National Weather Service in San Diego forecasts isolated showers in the morning that are expected to "become stronger and more widespread this afternoon," particularly in the mountain and desert regions. According to NWS San Diego, some storms may drift into Orange County and the inland valleys. The weather system causing these conditions is an upper-level low centered over eastern Riverside County. With the potential for hourly rainfall rates to hit 0.50-1 inch per hour in the mountains and parts of the deserts, areas surrounding the San Gorgonio Pass, Coachella Valley, and San Diego County deserts are now under a Flood Watch.
While the chances for showers and thunderstorms will decrease come Sunday, and dry conditions are slated to return on Monday, cooler temperatures hang around, complemented by a deep marine layer through early next week. Minor warming is expected to begin on Wednesday, with the latter part of the week looking to warm up further, possibly. However, So Cal weather-watchers must watch for tropical moisture, which could become entrained in the southwesterly flow and into So Cal around Wednesday. However, forecast models show considerable variability in this outcome.
In aviation-related updates, the same source cites that the coastal basin is covered with BKN-OVC clouds with varying bases from 2000 to 4000 feet MSL this morning, which could pose flight complications. The low clouds are expected to clear somewhat into the afternoon but may develop again overnight, extending over the coastal basin. The NWS advises that thunderstorms could bring gusty, erratic winds and visibility reductions within the inland valleys and western mountain foothills, notably affecting air travel.
Weekend beachgoers are also in for significant surf and rip currents, with the National Weather Service issuing a Beach Hazard Statement for Orange and San Diego County coastal areas. This caution is due to the south swell from Hurricane Narda, which "will produce elevated surf and a high rip current risk Sunday through Tuesday." For those drawn to the shores, south-facing beaches are set to receive the brunt of the impact, with potential for 8-foot wave sets and strong alongshore currents at all beaches. The public is advised to heed local warnings and remain vigilant while near the water.
