A weak Santa Ana wind pattern that started Saturday and will continue through Monday is expected to bring warmer and drier conditions to San Diego County, the National Weather Service said.
The warmth will peak on Monday, with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal, forecasters said. A cooling trend will begin on Tuesday, with onshore flow strengthening and marine layer clouds gradually returning.
Along the coast, a beach hazard statement is in effect through Tuesday for minor tidal overflow during the 6.8-feet morning high tides, forecasters said. A beach hazards statement is issued when threats such as strong rip currents, elevated surf heights, minor tidal overflow or lightning are possible at local beaches.
“Minor flooding of beach parking lots and other low-lying areas near the coast is possible during these times,” the weather service said. “The surf will be 2-4 feet or less, so no substantial coastal flooding is expected.”
Highs on Sunday are forecast to be 72 to 77 near the coast, 81 inland, 83 in the western valleys, 77 to 82 near the foothills, 67 to 75 in the mountains, and 78 to 83 in the deserts.
A trough of low pressure will move inland over the Pacific Northwest beginning Tuesday, weakening the high pressure and offshore flow over Southern California, the weather service said.
“Some slight cooling will occur on Tuesday for the coast and valleys as onshore flow rebuilds in,” forecasters said. “Marine layer clouds could make their return as early as Tuesday night, and continue to rebuild in throughout the week.”
Further cooling is expected Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures returning to near normal west of the mountains by Thursday, according to the weather service. As is typical with a Santa Ana pattern, the lower deserts will take a little longer to cool down, with temperatures remaining above normal there through the work week.
After next week, there is a chance that a low-pressure system could dip down south into Southern California, possibly bringing in some precipitation near the Thanksgiving holiday, but confidence is very low at this point, forecasters said.
— From Staff and Wire Reports
