Looks Like Bang-Up Weather for Fourth of July Celebration

While the last two Independence Days have turned out wet, San Diegans will have to contend only with a few night and morning low clouds to mar an otherwise picture-perfect holiday weekend, according to forecasters.

Clear blue skies are expected by late morning in almost all areas--except for the beaches, where the low clouds will remain for most of the day--National Weather Service forecaster Wilbur Shigehara said.

“We are looking at a delightful Fourth of July weekend,” he said. “We are coming out of the two cloudiest months of the year, but just like clockwork, now that we’ve gotten into the second week of summer we are seeing a lot more sunshine.”

June Typically Awful

June lived up to its reputation of being the cloudiest month of the year, with only 50% of possible sunshine breaking through the gray skies. While it was cloudier than the average 57% possible sunshine for the month, this June did not get close to the record 30% possible sunshine set in June, 1969.

On the plus side, July averages 68% possible sunshine and is traditionally the driest month of the year, averaging only .01 of an inch of rain, according to Shigehara.

Despite all the statistics and averages, San Diego has been doused with rain the past two Fourths. However, forecasters are promising it won’t be three in a row.

“It might be a bit overcast in the evening hours, but the clouds will not be so low you can’t see the fireworks,” Shigehara said.

Temperatures have not hit seasonal levels since summer began two weekends ago and will continue to hover below average through the holiday weekend, he said. The average high at Lindbergh Field for the Fourth of July is 74 degrees, and a high of 72 is expected for today through Sunday.

Beaches Still Bad Spots

Beaches will have only partial afternoon clearing through the weekend, with highs in the 70- to 75-degree range and lows between 58 and 63. Surf will average three to four feet, with ocean temperature remaining near 65 degrees.

“The beaches haven’t seen much clearing lately, and this trend will continue,” Shigehara said. “Though the sun might peek through a little bit, I’m afraid beachgoers will be a little disappointed this weekend.”

Inland areas will have clear skies after late night through mid-morning low clouds, with highs ranging from 77 to 85 and lows between 52 and 60.

Mountains and deserts will continue fair through Sunday, with gusty winds up to 25 m.p.h. during the afternoons and evenings. Mountains will have highs between 77 and 84, with overnight lows in the 40s. Desert highs will be in the 104- to 109-degree range, with lows between 68 and 76.