San Diego is in for a wet and windy day as a weather system goes down the California coastline. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) San Diego, the region is anticipating rain with the potential for isolated thunderstorms, particularly heavy from this morning through the afternoon. Winds are also expected to pick up across the coast, mountains, and deserts, so be prepared for gusts that could shake up your otherwise stormy Tuesday.
The cool temperatures are just another layer to today's weather narrative. With a significantly chillier forecast, the NWS San Diego predicts highs mostly in the 60s for the coast and valleys, and even down to the 40s and 50s in the mountains and high desert. And if you thought the rainfall would be a drizzle, think again—coastal areas could see around an inch of rain, while the San Bernardino County mountains may receive 2 to 4 inches. "Locally heavy rainfall will spread southward across the area this morning and early afternoon," the Area Forecast Discussion warns, flagging the slight chance of showers even into tonight.
The storm brings not only rain and cooler temperatures but also powerful gusts. San Diegans should brace for strong gusty south to southwest winds ahead of the cold front this morning, persisting into the early afternoon, especially along coastal areas. And while the mountains and high desert won’t be spared the chill or the showers, they can expect high temperatures today to be "as much as 20 to 25 degrees below average," per NWS San Diego. Today’s weather blast may lead to urban flooding and flash flooding near recent burn scars due to the rapid rainfall.
Mariners should note that strong southerly winds will be present this morning in advance of the front, making conditions hazardous for small craft operations. The weather may calm down later in the evening, but a Small Craft Advisory is effective until 5 PM PDT today. Beachgoers should be wary of a slight chance of thunderstorms and lightning this afternoon, and the high rip current risk posed by 3 to 5 foot surf. NWS San Diego advises, "Any thunderstorm could produce briefly gusty, erratic winds, choppy seas, and lightning."
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