Cool Weather Will Blow In for Weekend

Southern California winter weather is expected this weekend with lower temperatures, partly cloudy skies and winds gusting in the mountains and deserts.

According to the National Weather Service, a high-pressure system that protected San Diego from stormy weather this week is expected to weaken and break down today, opening the way for cool northern temperatures and wintry weather traveling here from the Gulf of Alaska.

“This weather from the gulf has been up over the Pacific Northwest, and is now shaping down our way. The Pacific storm track moves like a snake in the wintertime,” forecaster Wally Cegiel said.

Although morning clouds should clear to sunny skies today, increasing cloudiness and a deepening marine layer are expected tonight. Drizzle is expected in coastal and inland areas Saturday morning, when fog will be heaviest. Partly cloudy skies are expected Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and rain may arrive Sunday night.

Temperatures that peaked this week with a high of 79 degrees Monday at Lindbergh Field have fallen steadily and should hover around 70 degrees today at the coast and in the mid-70s inland.

On Saturday, temperatures in both coastal and inland areas are expected to be between 67 and 74. Nights will be slightly cooler than average, with lows in the 50s at the coast and from 45 to 55 inland.

Northwest winds are expected to kick up today in mountain and desert areas, where gusts may reach 30 m.p.h.

High temperatures in the mountains up to 68 today are expected to be between 53 and 63 Saturday. Lows at night are expected in the mid-30s to the mid-40s. Desert highs in the 80s today may fall to the 70s Saturday, with lows in the 50s.