Storm Headed Toward County May Bring Rain, High Winds

A storm bearing down from San Luis Obispo may bring thunder, gusty winds and up to half an inch of rain to San Diego County today, the National Weather Service said.

The sizable storm might also produce small tornadoes and funnel clouds before moving south tonight, said weather service meteorologist Wilbur Shigehara. Partly cloudy skies and cool temperatures will dominate this weekend, with a slight chance of lingering showers Saturday, he said.

“It will be bigger than a BB shot on a cannonball, but, if the rains go away too soon, it will be like a memory,” Shigehara said of today’s rain. “This rain should save us from watering our lawns and shrubs at least a week or two weeks.”

Winds today may gust up to 30 m.p.h. at times, Shigehara said. Breezy conditions will prevail through Sunday.

A second storm en route from the Pacific Northwest should arrive in San Diego Sunday night, Shigehara said. About commuter time Monday morning, the storm should be at its thickest and may wreak the usual traffic havoc, he said.

The high at Lindbergh Field Thursday was 66. The average high for this date for the last 30 years has been 67.

Beach highs this weekend will range from 62-66. The ocean is 62 and the surf is 4 to 6 feet.

Coastal highs today through Sunday will range from 66 to 70. The lows will range from 47-53 tonight and Saturday night.

Inland highs this weekend will be similar to coastal highs. Lows will range from 40-50 tonight and Saturday.

Today’s storm may bring a dusting of snow to just the tops of the highest local mountains, Shigehara said.