Winter has made a striking return to San Diego County, catching many residents off guard after an unseasonably warm stretch. According to ABC 10News, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, brought a dramatic cooldown, with temperatures dropping as much as 17 degrees compared to just the day before along the coast and in the valleys. While the sudden chill might have sent some scrambling for their jackets, meteorologists noted that the day’s highs were actually close to what’s typical for this time of year.
The shift in weather wasn’t just about the thermometer, either. As the sun set on Tuesday, a cold front loomed on the horizon, promising to shake up the region’s recent dry spell. ABC 10News Meteorologist Megan Parry explained that there was a chance of sprinkles or isolated light showers ahead of the front, with more substantial rain expected to arrive by Wednesday morning. For those planning an early commute, Parry warned of scattered showers between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., which could make for a slow and slippery drive. "It’s been a while since we’ve had rain, so the roads may be more slick than you anticipate," she cautioned.
Rainfall amounts were forecast to be modest, with light to moderate showers delivering between 0.10 and 0.25 inches of rain across most areas. Some spots stretching from the coast to the mountains could see up to half an inch, while the deserts were expected to remain mostly dry, with little to no measurable precipitation. Still, even a little rain can be a big deal in Southern California, especially after a dry spell.
But the rain wasn’t the only thing making a comeback. Gusty winds were also in the mix, with southwest and westerly gusts of 20 to 45 miles per hour predicted for the mountains and deserts through Wednesday. Closer to the coast and in the valleys, residents could expect winds between 15 and 30 miles per hour. As if that weren’t enough, the coastline was set for a surge in surf, with waves building to 4 to 6 feet and occasional sets reaching 7 to 8 feet. Strong rip currents were also expected, prompting local lifeguards to urge beachgoers to exercise caution.
Wednesday’s forecast highs painted a picture of classic Southern California winter: 62 to 65 degrees along the coast, 58 to 64 degrees inland, 46 to 60 degrees in the mountains, and a relatively toasty 70 to 73 degrees in the deserts. While not exactly frigid, these numbers marked a distinct shift from the balmy conditions that had lingered for weeks.
For those hoping the rain would stick around to help with drought concerns, the outlook was a mixed bag. ABC 10News reported that a second storm system was expected to pass just south of San Diego from Thursday into Friday, February 12 and 13. While this would keep clouds streaming across the county, the chance of significant rainfall looked minimal. Instead, the region was set for a brief return to drier weather and sunshine by Friday afternoon, stretching into Saturday.
But residents shouldn’t get too comfortable just yet. Meteorologists were already keeping an eye on a more impactful storm system expected to arrive on Monday, February 16. This next round could bring widespread heavy rain, offering the promise of more substantial relief for parched landscapes. And looking further ahead, showers were predicted to continue on Tuesday, February 17, with yet another storm potentially bringing more rain later in the week. It’s a weather pattern that’s keeping forecasters—and residents—on their toes.
Local news outlets have been quick to keep the public informed. CBS 8 highlighted the weather as one of the top stories for the morning of February 11, urging residents to stay tuned for the latest updates on conditions around the county. Their coverage emphasized the importance of preparing for the return of wet and windy weather, especially after such a long dry spell.
Of course, for many San Diegans, this return of winter is a reminder of the region’s unpredictable climate. After weeks of warmth, the sudden shift serves as a wake-up call that February can still pack a punch. The combination of rain, wind, and high surf is enough to disrupt daily routines—whether it’s a slower commute, the need to dust off raincoats and umbrellas, or simply the challenge of keeping up with changing forecasts.
For surfers and beach lovers, the rising surf brings both excitement and danger. While bigger waves are a draw for experienced surfers, strong rip currents can quickly turn a fun day at the beach into a risky situation. Lifeguards and local officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of respecting posted warnings and being mindful of rapidly changing ocean conditions.
Meanwhile, drivers are being urged to take extra precautions. As ABC 10News pointed out, even light rain can make roads slick—especially when oil and debris have built up during dry periods. Slowing down, increasing following distances, and allowing extra time for commutes are all smart moves as the storms roll through.
For those living in the mountains and deserts, the gusty winds could also present challenges. Blowing dust, fallen branches, and even the risk of power outages are all on the table when winds reach 45 miles per hour. Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor items, keep an eye on local alerts, and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions.
Despite these challenges, there’s also a sense of relief that comes with the return of rain. Southern California’s ongoing drought has left many hoping for wetter weather, and even a few tenths of an inch can help replenish reservoirs and green up the landscape. As the storms pass through, water managers and environmentalists will be watching closely to see how much of an impact the rainfall makes.
Looking ahead, the forecast offers a bit of everything: clouds, sunshine, rain, wind, and surf. It’s a classic reminder that winter in San Diego County is anything but boring. As always, local meteorologists like Megan Parry are encouraging residents to keep an eye on the latest updates—whether it’s on TV, social media, or trusted news outlets like ABC 10News and CBS 8.
So, as February unfolds, San Diegans can expect a little bit of everything from Mother Nature. Whether you’re braving the morning commute, hitting the waves, or just enjoying a cozy day indoors, it’s clear that winter is back—and it’s making itself known in classic Southern California style.