Residents across the southwestern California region should expect a noticeable cooling trend coupled with the potential for showers and thunderstorms starting Friday and into the weekend, per the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in San Diego. Inland areas are anticipated to see temperatures around 5 degrees below average as we head into Saturday. The forecast also suggests a chance of rain, which is highest in the mountains and deserts, bringing a reprieve from a typically warm season.
According to the National Weather Service, San Diego, CA's statement, "High temperatures on Saturday will range from the lower 70s near the coast to around 80 for the Inland Empire with the upper 80s for the lower deserts." While today and Thursday will remain dry, the likelihood of precipitation will increase by Friday afternoon, marking the onset of this weather shift. For those making plans, note that the greater chances for measurable rainfall lie between 15 and 25 percent, mainly affecting topographical highs and lows.
Transitioning into the weekend, those same areas – the mountains and deserts – might experience increased shower and thunderstorm activity, possibly reaching a 55 percent chance by Saturday afternoon. It all depends on the trajectory of the slow-moving low-pressure system, which is gradually making its way from the northwest and how long it decides to linger over southern California. Following this, a drier climate is expected to resume early next week with a gentle uptick in temperatures, though still a few degrees shy of averages for the region.
The marine forecast appears relatively uneventful with no immediate hazards on the horizon through Sunday. Nonetheless, "stronger northwest winds with gusts approaching 20 knots at times near San Clemente Island are expected in the afternoons and evenings today and Thursday," the National Weather Service advises. Boaters and marine enthusiasts near San Clemente Island should thus exercise caution during these periods of heightened wind conditions.
