Showers, Wind and Cold Will Be Weather’s Gifts

Winter’s harsh storms are expected to make their seasonal debut today, said weather forecasters, who advised county residents to prepare for heavy rains and gusty winds.

A 60% chance of Christmas rain and gusty winds of 15-25 m.p.h. could combine to send thunderstorms over San Diego County and deliver periods of heavy rain today and Monday, said meteorologist Wilbur Shigehara of the National Weather Service.

By the time the storms subside late Monday afternoon, forecasters estimate the county will have received 0.5 to 1 inch of rain.

“Rainfall of that amount is nothing unusual,” Shigehara said. “We’re getting close to January, which is the rainiest month of the year. And quite frankly, we’re desperate for it. We’ll take all the rain we can get.”

Along with the much needed rain, however, San Diegans will be treated to an unpleasant chill, Shigehara added. Northern winds from the Gulf of Alaska and British Columbia will send through a cold spell that could last most of the week. The mercury will hold steady in the mid-50s, nearly 10 degrees below normal seasonal temperatures.

“It’s been very, very cold,” Shigehara said. “It’s a great time to get the fireplace going.”

Overnight temperatures tonight are expected to range from 38 to 46 degrees along the coast and 32 to 40 inland.

Such low temperatures could cause havoc for the county’s citrus farmers. Shigehara said a frost advisory will be in effect Monday, when temperatures in agricultural districts could drop into the mid-20s.

“Farmers should be prepared for frost protection because it’s going to be bitter cold Monday,” Shigehara said. “They’ll have to be on their toes all week, or they’re going to lose some crops.”

San Diego’s mountains received almost 3 inches of snow last Tuesday, but winter’s first official snowfall is expected on Christmas Day, Shigehara said.

In the mountains, the Weather Service is issuing a storm warning for today and Monday in anticipation of snowfall at altitudes above 1,000 feet. Temperatures in those areas today are expected to range between a high of 28 and 34 and low of 18 and 24 degrees.

Along the coast, forecasters are issuing a heavy surf advisory, with 4- to 6-foot sets complemented by an occasional 10-footer.