As the high pressure begins to ease its grip over Southern California, residents can anticipate a cool down in temperatures and an increase in wind gusts, as well as potential precipitation towards the end of the week. According to the National Weather Service San Diego, temperatures on Tuesday have fallen 3 to 6 degrees cooler compared to Monday, with the cooling trend continuing to push further inland as the week progresses.
The situation intensifies as a low-pressure system edges closer, ushering in stronger winds by Wednesday evening. According to a forecast discussion provided by the National Weather Service San Diego, "southwest winds for the mountains and deserts gusting to 35 to 45 mph, locally to 50 to 60 mph," are anticipated. Moreover, the potential for precipitation late Thursday into Friday morning raises concerns, as the passage of a cold front is expected to increase the chances of showers across the area.
Importantly for coastal dwellers, a Dense Fog Advisory has been issued until 8 AM this morning, as fog continues to lap at the shorelines. Thursday's forecast suggests a modest temperature range with the coast seeing mid to upper 60s, while inland valleys experience lower to mid 70s, and the lower deserts enjoy the lower to mid 80s.
Drenching rains appear on the horizon with the deterministic NBM has trended significantly wetter over the past 24 hours for Thursday through Saturday, with forecast rainfall for Orange and southwestern San Bernardino Counties, forecasting around 1.75 inches near the coast to 2 to 3 inches in the mountains, and possibly exceeding 4 inches on the coastal slopes of the San Bernardino County mountains. For San Diego County, projected rainfall hovers around 1.25 to 1.5 inches near the coast to 1.5 to 2.5 inches in the mountains, and for the deserts, amounts range from one-half to one inch for the high desert and one-quarter to one-half inch for the lower deserts, with snow levels varying significantly during the period.
Marine conditions also warrant attention due to the dense fog warning issued early this morning, which is impacting visibility for nautical activities. A storm will bring strong winds and steep seas late Thursday through Friday as a front passes through the coastal waters. There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms Thursday night through Friday, according to the National Weather Service in San Diego. As always, Skywarn activation is not required, but weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions as they unfold.
