San Diego Weather: Storm to Bring Rain, Snow, High Winds This Week

Stormy Weather Ahead for San Diego County

San Diego County is bracing for a multi-day storm system expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and even snow to the mountains, beginning Monday. The National Weather Service warns that conditions could persist through Thursday, potentially extending into Friday.

The approaching storm, originating in Alaska, is forecast to deliver 1 to 2 inches of rain in some areas, with higher elevations receiving even more. San Diego International Airport has already recorded 8.05 inches of precipitation since the start of the rainy season on October 1st – 2.28 inches above average for this time of year.

Beyond the rain, the storm is expected to generate winds gusting up to 45 mph, particularly in the mountains, and waves reaching 8 to 10 feet along the coast. These conditions will create hazardous conditions for both land and sea.

“The storm window is open,” said Adam Roser, a weather service forecaster, indicating the potential for a prolonged period of unsettled weather. The initial wave of the storm is anticipated to arrive Monday morning, intensifying throughout the day and evening.

While Monday is expected to see the heaviest rainfall, periods of rain are likely to continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the possibility of additional moisture on Thursday and even Friday. The mountains will experience the most significant precipitation.

The storm will also bring colder temperatures, with daytime highs struggling to reach the low 60s. Snow levels will initially be at 6,000 to 7,000 feet on Monday, dropping to 5,000 to 5,500 feet on Tuesday, and potentially reaching 4,000 feet by Wednesday. Mount Laguna could see up to a half-foot of snow, and even Alpine and Anza Borrego could receive a dusting.

The potential for thunderstorms and lightning is also present, adding another layer of risk to the storm. The combination of heavy rain and strong winds could make driving difficult, particularly in areas like the Cajon Pass.

However, the storm isn’t entirely negative. The increased precipitation could benefit the ongoing wildflower bloom in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, potentially making it even more vibrant. The recent rains in December and January have already contributed to a moderate-to-heavy bloom.

Todd Michael, a plant biologist at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, explained that rainfall alone doesn’t guarantee a spectacular bloom. “The timing and spacing of storms, spring temperatures, wind, and even what happened in recent bloom years all influence which specifics emerge from the seedbank and successfully flower.” He noted that the unusually warm temperatures in January add an element of uncertainty, creating a “natural experiment” to see which species are most resilient.

Beyond San Diego County, forecasters say the storm could have significant impacts across Southern California, with the possibility of 2 to 3 feet of snow at ski resorts like Big Bear.