San Diego woke up to clear skies and a mild start today, with San Diego International reporting around 55°F this morning. Expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 70°F this afternoon. A Pacific trough is sliding in and kicking up an onshore breeze that will knock temperatures down a bit and crank up the wind over the weekend, setting the stage for a dry, pleasant day followed by windier weather and the first real chance of measurable rain tomorrow into early Sunday.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
South to southwest winds stay on the tame side today, generally 5 to 10 mph with afternoon gusts up to about 20 mph, which will be enough to make bluff-top and canyon drives feel a bit blustery. The onshore flow strengthens on Saturday, and higher terrain and some mountain passes could see sustained winds of 40 to 55 mph with gusts. Localized gusts may reach around 65 mph in the San Gorgonio Pass, prompting a Wind Advisory for parts of the inland and mountain zones from 2 PM tomorrow through 11 AM next Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Boaters and drivers of high-profile vehicles should use caution and lock down any loose outdoor gear before the wind does it for you.
Rain Late Saturday Into Early Sunday
The best shot at measurable rain arrives late tomorrow night into early next Sunday, with showers likely overnight and tapering off Sunday morning. Most spots west of the mountains will pick up only light totals, roughly 0.10 to 0.25 inch, but pockets of heavier precipitation are possible in favored foothill and mountain locations. The forecast discussion notes totals of three-quarters of an inch near Palomar Mountain and roughly a half-inch in some pockets near Oceanside. Plan for wet roads and reduced visibility if you are driving overnight, with showers more likely to come through as brief, spotty bursts than as an all-night soaker.
Weekend Impacts
Now is the time to bring in patio furniture, tie down umbrellas, and build in extra travel time if your route runs through canyon and pass areas; crosswinds may slow high-profile vehicles from Saturday afternoon into the evening. If you are thinking about small-boat plans, check the marine forecast before launching, since choppy seas and 15 to 20 kt westerly winds each afternoon and evening through Sunday could make for a rough ride.
Temperatures should rebound to near normal by next Monday, April 27, with mainly dry weather expected through the middle of next week. We will update if the National Weather Service issues new advisories or adjusts the forecast.
