San Diego is bracing for a significant cooling trend as expansive stratus clouds are set to blanket much of the county this Wednesday afternoon, April 16, 2025. With temperatures forecasted to dip below seasonal norms, residents can expect a chilly few days ahead.
According to the National Weather Service San Diego, coastal areas will see highs between 60 to 64 degrees, while western valleys and inland Orange County may experience slightly warmer temperatures ranging from 61 to 65 degrees. However, this is still considerably cooler than usual, with the afternoon temperatures expected to remain 5 to 15 degrees below average through Friday, April 18, 2025.
As the day progresses, an area of low pressure will move inland, bringing with it the possibility of patchy drizzle and scattered rain showers overnight and into Thursday morning, April 17, 2025. This system, while promising some moisture, is not expected to deliver significant rainfall, with preliminary forecasts estimating totals ranging from .01 to .25 inches, and up to .50 inches in the mountainous regions.
Following this weather system, a colder low-pressure area from the north will slide southeast of San Diego Thursday night, renewing the chance of light precipitation. This second system is expected to bring even cooler temperatures, particularly in the mountains, where the mercury could drop as much as 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Wednesday’s readings.
Wind conditions are also set to become a topic of concern. Gusty winds will sweep across the region, with westerly gusts reaching speeds of 40 to 50 miles per hour in the mountains and deserts, and up to 25 miles per hour for coastal areas. Isolated gusts could even crank up to between 55 to 65 mph, especially in the mountains and desert regions, creating potentially hazardous conditions for outdoor activities.
As the week progresses, the weather is expected to shift. By the weekend, drier and warmer conditions will return. Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, is anticipated to be mostly sunny, with temperatures rising to the mid-60s along the coast and into the mid-70s for the valleys. The deserts, however, may experience a significant warming trend, with highs soaring around 90 degrees.
This change in weather has prompted officials to remind residents to prepare for possible travel disruptions, especially in the mountains where low clouds and strong winds could affect visibility. The aviation forecasts indicate that low clouds will scatter throughout the coastal basin into the coastal mountain slopes, potentially creating flight challenges with cloud bases reported between 2500 and 3500 feet and tops reaching up to 4500 feet.
Despite the chilly weather, the upcoming weekend is expected to bring a pleasant reprieve, perfect for outdoor activities and family gatherings during the Easter holiday. With temperatures trending back to near average, residents can look forward to a more comfortable climate after the cool spell.
In summary, San Diego's weather this week is characterized by a notable drop in temperatures, gusty winds, and the potential for light rain, particularly as two low-pressure systems move through the area. The community is advised to stay informed and prepare for the changing conditions as the week progresses.
