San Diego

Santa Ana Sizzle: San Diego Cranks Up To 81 As Winds Whip Canyons

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Published on April 04, 2026
Santa Ana Sizzle: San Diego Cranks Up To 81 As Winds Whip CanyonsSource: Boatguy619, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

San Diego rolled into the weekend under clear skies today, starting with a cool 54°F at the airport and heading for a toasty high near 81°F this afternoon. Morning breezes are already stirring in the foothills and canyon passes, and while the day heats up, patchy fog is expected to creep back in overnight for a damp, gray start to early Sunday commutes.

Afternoon Heat And Morning Gusts

Highs are forecast to peak around 81°F today, running roughly 10–15°F above normal along the coast and foothills, with inland spots trending even hotter and a small shot at reaching the low 90s. Elevated winds are likely below mountain passes and along some coastal slopes this morning, with gusts in the 25 to 40 mph range. A Wind Advisory remains in effect for nearby inland and mountain areas through 1 PM PDT, according to NWS San Diego.

Foggy Mornings, Sunny Afternoons

After 11 PM tonight, expect patchy fog to develop and persist until tomorrow, leaving many neighborhoods mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 50s. By late Sunday morning, low clouds and fog should retreat, with skies turning partly sunny after about 11 AM and highs easing back to around 76°F as the marine layer firms up again near the coast.

Looking Ahead

Minor cooling is on track by Wednesday, and an upper-level low could drag in a slight chance of rain Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10. Current projections keep rain probabilities in the 15 to 30 percent range, and forecasters say there is still notable uncertainty in both timing and amounts. Those details, including the differing scenarios on when any showers might arrive, are laid out in the NWS area forecast discussion.

Commuter And Safety Notes

For outdoor plans today, aim for the warmer afternoon window, bring water, and do not skip the sunscreen. If you are driving through canyon passes this morning, ease off the gas, watch for sudden gusts and any flying debris, and keep a firm grip on the wheel. Early Sunday morning, fog may cut visibility, so build in extra commute time and use headlights when the fog thickens.