Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted six more weeks of winter, but residents of San Diego County are enjoying unseasonably warm weather. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are set to rise significantly from Tuesday through Thursday, with the region experiencing weak to moderate Santa Ana winds.
On Tuesday, coastal areas can expect highs ranging from 71 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, while inland regions will see temperatures soar between 77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The western valleys may reach 80 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, and foothill areas are projected to experience highs of 76 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, mountain temperatures will range from 64 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, and desert regions could see peaks between 81 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Patchy dense fog over coastal waters could linger into Tuesday morning, affecting primarily coastal communities. As offshore winds develop on Wednesday, this fog is expected to dissipate. The forecast indicates that Santa Ana winds will strengthen from Wednesday into Thursday, with the most powerful gusts anticipated in the county’s mountainous areas. While gusts may occasionally exceed 50 mph in certain mountain passes, they are expected to remain below wind advisory levels.
As the week progresses, conditions will shift, cooling off from Friday through the weekend as onshore flow returns. A low-pressure system is projected to bring a chance of showers on Friday afternoon, with a slight possibility of thunderstorms. Showers may continue into Saturday, contingent on the storm’s trajectory, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters are also monitoring the potential for cooler and wetter weather early next week, as additional systems approach the region. The upcoming changes in weather patterns will likely be of interest to both residents and visitors, particularly those engaging in outdoor activities in locations such as Mission Bay Park, which features nearly 14 miles of paths for walking and biking.
As winter continues to be a topic of discussion in some parts of the country, San Diego’s warm temperatures offer a stark contrast, underscoring the diverse weather experiences across the United States.
