Cooler temperatures – and high winds in some areas – are on the way, as part of a gradual cooling trend that could bring widespread rain to San Diego County in the coming weekend.
The shift follows an unusually hot stretch in March and early April that saw record-breaking temperatures and elevated fire danger fueled by Santa Ana winds.
Highs were expected to fall 3 to 6 degrees in many areas, with coastal communities seeing declines of up to 10 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
A brief warm-up is expected Wednesday, with temperatures rising several degrees, making it the warmest day of the week.
By Thursday, however, a stronger system is forecast to move into Southern California, ushering in a sustained cooling trend through the weekend, forecasters said.
The NWS predicts high winds beginning Thursday in San Diego County’s mountains and deserts, with chances of showers throughout the county expected Friday through Sunday. The highest chance is on Saturday.
“Westerly winds are expected to increase over the mountains, deserts, and coastal waters for the end of the week,” forecasters said.
Rainfall totals remain uncertain, but forecasts indicate many areas could receive moderate rain, with some models suggesting a roughly 30% chance of a half-inch or more for the coastal areas, 40% for inland valleys and 60% for the mountains.
