San Diego residents should brace for a significant shift in weather as a low-pressure system sweeps through the area, bringing rain, wind, and cooler temperatures. According to NWS San Diego, the system will move down the California coast today and Tuesday, intensifying winds across the mountains and deserts while delivering a strong chance of rain showers to much of the region. The heaviest rainfall is anticipated in the San Bernardino/Riverside mountains and the Los Angeles basin, with SD county and desert areas expecting lighter showers.
San Diego County isn't alone in feeling the effects; the National Weather Service in San Diego, CA, indicates a widespread precipitation pattern from the coast to the mountains starting tonight into Tuesday night. Wind gusts might reach 55-60 mph in wind-prone locations, with the coldest day on tap for Tuesday. Notably, temperatures in inland valleys and mountains are expected to plummet 15-23 degrees below normal. Low deserts will also drop substantially, with temperatures ranging in the 70s to near 80, significantly below the seasonal average.
The heaviest rains are predicted to occur on Tuesday, aligning with the frontal band's movement. "Rainfall totals will range from 1+ inches in the San Bernardino and Santa Ana Mtns to about a tenth of an inch in the inland valleys of San Diego County near the Mexican border," the NWS San Diego warns. Snow is also likely but confined to elevations above 7000-8000 feet. Following the dreary weather, a gradual warming and drying trend is anticipated from Wednesday through Friday, with weak offshore flow.
Marine conditions off San Diego's coast are also poised for upheaval, with stronger southerly winds emerging late tonight and peaking Tuesday morning. The NWS advises that these conditions could be hazardous for small craft. There also exists a possibility of thunderstorms on Tuesday, particularly around the outer waters near San Clemente Island, which might bring erratic winds, rough seas, and lightning. Surfers and beachgoers should note that surf is expected to increase on Tuesday, particularly in San Diego County, leading to a high rip current risk.
