San Diego woke up on the gray side of things today, with low clouds hugging the coast, some inland valleys filling with marine layer, and patchy drizzle dampening the morning. Temperatures hovered in the low 60s at Lindbergh Field, expected to climb into the upper 60s to around 70 by this afternoon as the clouds peel back. The marine layer is set to clear from north to south through the morning, trading the gloomy start for mostly sunny skies and lighter winds later in the day.
Afternoon Winds Start Flexing
The calm will not last all day. Northwest winds are forecast to ramp up this afternoon, with coastal gusts near 20 mph and stronger gusts of 35 to 65 mph through exposed passes and along the coastal slopes; the most vulnerable corridors could see isolated gusts up to 55 mph. A Wind Advisory remains in effect for inland mountain and valley areas through 4 p.m. Friday. According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, mariners should also brace for choppy seas later today.
Weekend Outlook
This weekend, a low-pressure system drifting offshore near northern Baja will shift lower-level winds to the northeast and push those gusty conditions southward into San Diego County. Along and below the coastal slopes, gusts of 45 to 55 mph are on the table, with isolated stronger bursts possible. There is a slight chance of rain showers from Sunday into Monday, mainly over the mountains and the southern part of the county, while daytime highs may reach the upper 70s to around 81 on Sunday.
Boaters, Drivers And Weekend Planners
Small craft advisories are posted for nearshore waters from this afternoon into the evening, so it is a good day to keep smaller boats in port during advisory windows and to secure vessels and any loose gear on docks. Morning fog and patchy drizzle may trim visibility for pre-dawn commuters, so plan a little extra travel time and use headlights in low-visibility stretches.
If you are eyeing weekend outdoor projects or planning to host anything al fresco, tie down or bring inside items that could catch the wind, from patio umbrellas to trash bins. Keep an eye on updated forecasts too, in case the offshore low nudges a bit farther west and tweaks the wind and shower chances.
