San Diegans are experiencing a rollercoaster of weather conditions, courtesy of shifting climactic patterns that are bringing in higher temperatures today and substantial cooling, with anticipation of rain by the weekend. The National Weather Service San Diego has indicated a "minor to moderate heat risk for valleys and low deserts" for today, with coastal areas hitting the 70s and inland valleys warming up to the low 90s.
Furthermore, a Dense Fog Advisory was issued that remained in place until 9 AM PST this morning, predominantly affecting the San Diego County coastal areas. Under the veil of this advisory, visibility was significantly reduced, making morning commutes a navigation through a shroud of fog and mist. In an oddly juxtaposed scenario, "Weak Santa Ana winds" as cited by the NWS, are driving elevated fire weather conditions, stirring gusts ranging from 25-40 mph along coastal slopes, complicating the ever-shifting canvas of the region's weather.
While the temperatures are on the toasty side now, the NWS San Diego notes that by mid-week, we can expect a sharp cooldown, with "cooler temperatures" and a rise in the chance for "widespread rain" into next weekend. This implies a switch from the current dry conditions, characterized by "low relative humidity" merging with easterly winds that create a significant fire hazard.
And if that wasn't enough excitement, the end of the week could see the region dancing with a "windy and wet pattern," per NWS San Diego's Area Forecast Discussion. They've predicted "daytime high temperatures will be generally in the 60s" by Friday, which is a stark contrast to the current 90-degree highs in some inland valleys. Adding chill to the thrill, there's a probability that climbing areas, matched with the cool embrace of oncoming downpours, could receive fresh blankets of snow on elevated terrains, with snow levels potentially dropping "down to about 6500 ft Friday night."
Marine conditions have been equally tumultuous, with "patchy fog along coastal waters reducing visibility to less than 1 nautical mile," as detailed by the Area Forecast Discussion. Nevertheless, keep those raincoats handy, because the late week could potentially sail in with more than a gentle drizzle, as "sustained winds in excess of 20 kts and periods of rain by late Thursday are possible." A climate reminder that here in sunny California, the winds of change are never too far off the horizon."
