Warmer, More Humid Weather Forecast for Weekend

The “almost Chamber-of-Commerce-quality” weather enjoyed by the San Diego area over the past few days will give way this weekend to warmer temperatures and higher humidity, according to Wilbur Shigehara of the National Weather Service.

“This week, the temperatures have been the most pleasant since summer began,” Shigehara said. But beginning today, he added, a high-pressure system over the Southwest will begin to build, causing temperatures to rise several degrees, returning the San Diego area to “a typical late-July weather pattern.”

The high-pressure system is also expected to draw moist, tropical air up from Mexico, making for a slightly muggy weekend throughout the county, with thunderstorms in the mountains and deserts.

Temperatures inland should range from 82 to 92 today and from 84 to 94 over the weekend. Humidity, which has remained below 50% this week, will peak at 70% along the coast and 60% inland.

As temperatures and humidity rise, inland valleys should experience a corresponding increase in smog and haze.

“Right now, we have excellent visibility, but we expect that to deteriorate,” Shigehara said, though he does not expect any smog advisories to be issued this weekend.

After the morning clouds burn off, coastal areas should enjoy sunshine and temperatures in the mid to upper 70s.

Another attraction at county beaches this weekend will be heavier surf generated by Hurricane Jimena, which on Thursday was located about 800 miles south of San Diego. Most area beaches will have 3- to 4-foot breakers. The water temperature was 71 degrees on Thursday.

As Hurricane Jimena moves north, it should bring increasing cloudiness to the San Diego area by Sunday evening.

“We have to keep our eyes on Jimena; that moisture has to go somewhere,” Shigehara said, although “it takes a fairly strong push from Mexico for any moisture to get up here.”