Alaskan Storm Front Could Turn Skies Drizzly

San Diego’s blue skies have given way to dreary gray, due in large part to a low-pressure system from the Gulf of Alaska, forecasters said Tuesday.

The first half of October was mainly warm and sun-graced, but cooler temperatures have arrived in what the National Weather Service says is a preview of winter.

“There is a big change coming in our weather pattern,” said Wilbur Shigehara, lead forecaster for the service’s San Diego office.

The low-pressure system from Alaska lowers temperatures and acts as a doorway for storms, he said.

Three storms may take advantage of the open door, the first as early as tonight, Shigehara said. That storm has already brought rain and thundershowers to the Pacific Northwest.

Because storms weaken as they travel, San Diego can expect lower temperatures, clouds and drizzle if the storm arrives.

The two storms behind it originated beyond the eastern edge of the Pacific and should prolong the cold front when they reach San Diego. Shigehara said the first of these storms is expected to make a mild entrance this weekend, with the second arriving early next week.

During the next several days, temperatures in the coastal area, including downtown, will remain about 5 degrees below the seasonal norm of 77, Shigehara said. Inland areas will see temperatures in the mid-70s, or 5 to 10 degrees below normal.

Winds are expected to increase in the mountains and deserts because of the cold front. Temperatures at the beaches will remain normal, Shigehara said.