As Southern Californians brace for varying weather conditions, the National Weather Service San Diego provides updates on what to expect in the coming days. According to NWS San Diego, weak to moderate Santa Ana winds are set to return Wednesday into Thursday before diminishing early Friday. Coastal regions saw a slight temperature drop on Wednesday with highs just below average, while inland areas anticipate steady warming through the weekend.
The marine layer has deepened around San Diego County, with a chance of light showers early Thursday morning. Offshore winds, however, are predicted to remain mostly weak through Friday morning. "Northeast winds along and below the coastal slopes of the mountains will mostly gust to 35 mph or less, except to 45 mph near the Cajon Pass and near the coastal slopes of the Santa Ana Mountains," reported NWS San Diego. Thursday's coastal temperatures will briefly climb a few degrees, as inland areas begin to experience a heat up to 5 to 10 degrees, particularly in the mountains and high desert.
Looking ahead, the long-term forecast promises a warming trend into early next week, with possible highs in the valleys reaching 12 to 18 degrees above average by next Tuesday. Saturday's temperatures are predicted in the mid 60s near the coast to upper 70s, and mid 80s in the valleys, with the lower deserts in the lower 80s. This gradual warming is attributed to high pressure developing over the eastern Pacific off the California coast, bringing dry northwest flow across the region.
Coastal areas and marine conditions are also under watch, with very high tides expected each morning through Friday. These tides could lead to coastal flooding, minor tidal overflow, and beach erosion, especially when combined with elevated surf in San Diego County. "No hazardous marine conditions are expected today through Sunday," NWS San Diego states. For beachgoers, a Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Friday morning for areas along the Orange and San Diego County coastlines.
