San Diego County is bracing for a dramatic shift in weather as the new year approaches, with a mix of warm gusty conditions giving way to rain and potential mountain snow. On Monday evening, residents enjoyed a beautiful winter sunset, a precursor to the weather changes on the horizon.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory valid until 1 p.m. Tuesday, specifically targeting the mountains and wind-prone valleys of San Diego County, where gusts could reach up to 55 to 60 mph. Residents and travelers are advised to be cautious due to these potentially hazardous conditions.
Tuesday is projected to be the warmest day of the week, with temperatures anticipated to hit 76 degrees near the coast, 77 degrees inland, and ranging from 68 to 73 degrees near the foothills and 71 to 74 degrees in the deserts. While relative humidity may drop into the teens in some inland areas in the afternoon, recent rainfall has helped alleviate fire risks in the region.
Following the warm spell, the weather is set to turn unsettled with increasing moisture. Starting Wednesday and continuing through Saturday, rain is expected to make its presence known, with forecast totals ranging from about half an inch to 1.6 inches in the mountains, and 0.6 to 1.2 inches along the coastal areas. The snowfall levels are anticipated to drop to around 6,500 feet by the end of the week, although significant snowfall at lower elevations is not expected.
As the week progresses, residents can expect a unique blend of weather conditions, with the promise of revitalizing rain after a warm start, reminding everyone of the dynamic climate in San Diego this winter.