San Diego County to Experience Significant Temperature Drop

Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNatureNews

Cloudy skies loom over San Diego County signifying a shift to cooler temperatures.

News Summary

Following a weekend of record-breaking heat, San Diego County is set for a substantial temperature drop starting Monday. The National Weather Service forecasts cooler-than-normal temperatures in the mid-to-low 60s, with possible drizzle throughout the week. Locations like Ramona and Alpine saw unprecedented highs of 100 degrees over the weekend. A Wind Advisory and heat advisories are in place as the region transitions to a classic May gray weather pattern, impacting local events like the San Diego Padres’ games.

San Diego, CA – A significant temperature drop is expected in San Diego County following a weekend of record-breaking heat. Starting Monday, the region will experience a classic “May gray” weather pattern, resulting in cooler-than-normal temperatures and potential drizzle through the week.

The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts that temperatures will decline to the mid-to-low 60s by Monday through Wednesday night, starkly contrasting the extreme heat experienced on Saturday when many areas saw temperatures soar nearly 25 degrees above average.

Specific locations that recorded unprecedented highs include:

Ramona: 100 degrees, breaking the previous record of 91 set in 1981.
Alpine: 100 degrees, exceeding the previous record by 6 degrees, which was established in 1960.
Campo: 98 degrees, surpassing its former record by 4 degrees, also from 1960.
Vista: 91 degrees, exceeding the previous record by 2 degrees set in 1984.

Due to these conditions, the NWS issued a heat advisory on Saturday due to a moderate to major risk for heat-related illness, which was effective until 9 p.m. During this time, coastal temperatures remained milder, ranging from the upper 60s to 70s, while inland areas approached triple-digit figures.

In addition to the drop in temperature, the NWS forecasts strong winds developing east of Interstate 15 on Monday night, with gusts potentially reaching 45 mph, particularly along Interstate 8 east of Alpine. A Wind Advisory will be in effect from 5 a.m. Monday until 5 a.m. Wednesday for mountains and deserts, with sustained winds between 20-35 mph and gusts potentially exceeding 50 mph.

By Tuesday, a further temperature decrease of 5-15 degrees is expected for most areas, except for coastal regions, which may not see as drastic of a drop. The chance of drizzle is also present overnight from Monday into Tuesday, with the potential for lingering showers in mountainous areas on Tuesday afternoon. Morning fog might obstruct visibility in coastal and valley regions on both Monday and Tuesday.

As the weather pattern shifts, Wednesday is anticipated to bring calmer and warmer conditions, providing a respite from the preceding extremes. Surf conditions will vary during this period; a mixed swell will create surf heights of 2-4 feet on Monday, increasing to 3-5 feet on Tuesday. Water temperatures around the San Diego coast are estimated to be between 59-64 degrees.

This sudden shift in weather may affect local events, including the San Diego Padres’ series against the Angels at Petco Park, which is set to kick off at 6:40 p.m. on Monday, continuing through to Wednesday.

Residents are advised to prepare for shifting weather conditions and to stay informed about any potential advisories from local weather services as the week progresses.