Sunny Skies, Warmer Days Lie Ahead

The dreary overcast skies and sporadic drizzle that have dampened San Diego County for nearly a week should evaporate this morning when a high-pressure system builds to block approaching storms, according to National Weather Service forecasters.

Weather systems originating in the Gulf of Alaska generated a series of storms last week that reached the Southland in the form of light rain and clouds beginning Wednesday. A quarter of an inch of rain fell that day, and although only traces were noted until 0.07 of an inch was recorded on Sunday, the skies threatened showers off and on through Monday.

The rainfall did little to bring April shower totals at Lindbergh Field closer to average. Normal rainfall for April is 0.78 of an inch of rain. The total by Monday was 0.32.

According to National Weather Service forecasters, a high-pressure system that began building here Monday will shield the county from storms passing north of here--allowing typical April temperatures and sunshine to return.

Night and morning clouds are expected along the coast and inland, with heavier fog in the foothills.

“Beaches should see some sun by 10 or 11 a.m. and should be clear in the afternoons,” said forecaster Wally Cegiel.

Westerly sea breezes are expected in the 10 to 16 m.p.h range at the beach, where the ocean water temperature remains at 61 degrees. Daytime highs at the shore are expected in the mid 60s through Wednesday.

Temperatures along the coastal strip will return to normal with daytime highs in the mid to high 60s with nighttime lows in the 55- to 60-degree range.

High temperatures inland in the 60s today may reach the 70s by Wednesday; lows at night are expected to be around 50.

Deserts will be warm with highs in the high 80s and moderate afternoon winds. Lows at night are expected to be in the low 50s.

Dense fog may shroud coastal mountain slopes in the morning, but afternoon skies should be mostly sunny. Mountain temperatures are expected to inch up to the 60s during the day and fall to around 40 at night.