As Southern Californians finalize their New Year's Eve plans, an incoming weather shift might call for some adjustments. The National Weather Service San Diego forecasts a cool down with potential showers beginning on New Year's Eve, a notable change after today's gusty Santa Ana winds and warm temperatures.
December in San Diego usually sees a mix of Santa Ana winds and occasional rainfall, but the contrast between today's conditions and the upcoming New Year's weather is particularly stark. The NWS San Diego's Area Forecast Discussion states, "Santa Ana winds remain gusty this morning, then weaken by this evening across the mountains, and western valleys." The warm weather will peak today with temperatures soaring into the 70s, and parts of East County possibly reaching near 80 degrees before the cooling trend sets in.
The weather outlook becomes unsettled as a low-pressure system slides into the region. "Rain showers will become more widespread and a bit heavier by Wednesday evening through Thursday morning," according to the NWS. This system will not just dampen the ground but may also put a literal damper on revelers, with southerly wind gusts expected to reach 20 MPH at the coast during New Year's festivities.
Those in coastal mountain slopes and Orange County should prepare for the bulk of the rain, with projections of 2-4 inches in the San Bernardino County Mountains through Thursday night. The deserts, meanwhile, are set to receive only light precipitation, likely under a half-inch. After the system passes, there should be a short period of respite late Thursday into Friday, marked by cooler and more humid conditions along with potential clear skies, especially across the desert regions.
Looking ahead into the first weekend of 2025, the forecast is less certain. A divergence in model guidance suggests either continued rainy weather or a swing back to drier and warmer conditions. "Another low pressure system off the coast may continue a chance for more rainfall or a ridge over Mexico may begin to build in, resulting in drier and warmer weather," detailed NWS San Diego. Mariners should also take note: strong southerly winds could develop by Wednesday, with gusts up to 20-25 knots into Thursday afternoon.
