Alaskan Blast Bearing Down--With Shivers

A cold front from Alaska is expected to move into San Diego County today, bringing frost, gusty winds and high surf.

The front, the second in two days, should force temperatures in all areas of the county into below-normal ranges, the National Weather Service said.

“We have the ‘Yukon express’ coming in from Alaska,” forecaster Wilbur Shigehara said. “Nights will be frigid cold. We have issued a frost advisory--farmers better be alert for damage.”

A slight chance of drizzle and partly cloudy skies may mark the front’s arrival. If the storm brings precipitation, forecasters said, snow can be expected down to 3,000 feet.

By Saturday, however, clouds should disappear and air should be drier with about 40% to 50% relative humidity. Cool temperatures and wind probably won’t change until Sunday.

Winds along the shore are expected to blow at 20 m.p.h., which could make boating hazardous. The prediction of high surf prompted the issuance of a small-craft advisory along county coastal waters. Waves from 4 to 8 feet may kick up through the weekend.

The swells are not expected to reach the spectacular height of last weekend, however, forecasters said.

Strong winds in the mountains and deserts could make traveling dangerous. Gusts from 20 m.p.h. to 40 m.p.h. were forecast for today and Saturday, and a travelers advisory was issued.

Temperatures along the coastal strip and inland valleys are expected to be in the 59- to 66-degree range through Saturday. Lows at the coast Saturday morning may dip to 38, and inland lows could drop into the 20s in coldest areas.

Daytime temperatures in the mountains are expected in the 30s and 40s, with lows between 18 and 28 degrees.

Desert highs in the 58- to 66-degree range may fall to the 30s at night. Even Borrego Springs may receive frost, forecasters said.

Temperatures in all areas should nudge slightly upward Sunday as the front weakens.