San Diegans are bracing for a burst of winter weather, as the National Weather Service (NWS) has forecast a dip in temperatures accompanied by substantial rainfall and snow accumulations. According to the NWS San Diego office, Thursday was expected to see temperatures 5 to 10 degrees below the seasonable average, while Friday's temperatures could drop even further to 5 to 15 degrees below average.
The chilling conditions are expected to persist with widespread showers from Thursday afternoon into Friday night, accompanied by a slight chance of thunderstorms during that period. NWS San Diego's Area Forecast Discussion notes that "The most widespread and heaviest precipitation is expected with the cold front this evening with showers continuing overnight." Snowfall, which could reach significant depths in some areas, is forecast to affect elevations above 6,500 ft starting Thursday and continuing into the weekend. Areas above 7,000 ft could see heavy snow with total accumulations up to 5 to 10 inches, and mountain peaks might experience snowfall upwards of 16 inches.
Travelers and residents in higher elevations should anticipate difficult conditions. The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Warning effective from Thursday afternoon through Friday for mountain ranges above 6500 feet, including Riverside County Mountains and San Bernardino County Mountains. Travel may become hazardous, and those venturing out should plan accordingly.
The wintry weather isn't set to stay, however, as the service predicts a change in the coming days. "Then dry with warming for Sunday through Thanksgiving with Thanksgiving high temperatures a few degrees above average to 4 to 8 degrees above average for the inland valleys and portions of the mountains," stated the NWS forecast. This suggests that families gathering for the holiday can expect milder weather as the week progresses.
Maritime conditions will also be affected, with a Small Craft Advisory in effect from Thursday afternoon to early Saturday morning, thanks to strengthening southerly winds that could lead to choppy seas and a slight chance of thunderstorms. "Any
thunderstorm could bring lightning, gusty winds, choppy seas, and a waterspout," the NWS San Diego cautions sailors.
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