Fair Skies Back as Rain Fades Away

Monday’s fair skies marked the beginning of a warming trend that should push temperatures into the 70s today and bring springlike weather to San Diego County.

The storm that dropped 1.47 inches of rain at Lindbergh Field over the weekend had departed to the east by Monday morning, National Weather Service forecasters said, and a ridge of high pressure building off the coast began to promote dry, warm weather and cool nights.

Forecaster Ray Robben predicted temperatures up to 72 degrees in both coastal and inland areas today and highs up to 80 on Wednesday.

Small craft and heavy surf advisories were extended along San Diego County coastal waters, but the waves are expected to diminish today to about 5 to 7 feet. Afternoon winds in the 12 to 25 m.p.h. range from the west today should decrease and shift to the north on Wednesday, Robben said.

Sunny skies are expected in all parts of the county at least through Thursday, forecaster Richard Stitt said. Relative humidity may drop slightly below normal today, with 50% to 60% expected downtown this afternoon.

Clear nights will cool to below normal temperatures--lows may dip to freezing in the early mornings in coldest areas. Coastal lows should be in the 40s and inland lows in the 30s.

In the mountains, where 8 inches of snow fell at Mt. Laguna and 5 inches blanketed Palomar Mountain, temperatures up to 42 during the day may fall to the 15- to 25-degree range. Winds from 15 to 30 m.p.h. were predicted for today.

Deserts may also be windy today. High temperatures up to 72 today and up to 76 on Wednesday were predicted with lows in the 35- to 45-degree range.