Published: December 10, 2022 / 3:30 PM PST
Updated: December 10, 2022 / 3:48 PM PST
SAN DIEGO — It’s starting to look and feel like the holiday season in San Diego, so be sure to break out your favorite puffer jacket and winter coat!
A winter storm system currently positioned along the coast of the Pacific Northwest will soon move south into California, bringing widespread rain to parts of San Diego County and potentially mountain snow beginning early Sunday morning.
The highest rainfall amounts will only fall about half an inch per hour Sunday morning through Sunday afternoon. Snow levels should be high Sunday morning, hovering around 6,500 to 7,000 feet, then should fall to around 3,500 to 4,500 feet Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service.
Along with rain and snow, desert slopes can expect strong gusts of wind, creating dangerous travel conditions along the mountains and deserts. Winds will also be strong for our coastal and valley communities, so secure all outdoor structures. Wind gusts could reach anywhere from 55 to 65 mph, with gusts potentially reaching up to 70 mph along the desert slopes. This will keep temperatures well below normal, dropping about 10-20 degrees below what we normally feel this time of year. Grab your blankets and bundle up extra at night, overnight lows will also be well below average.
This storm will spread rain Sunday morning through the afternoon, with a slight chance of thunderstorms Sunday night into Monday morning. After that, the storm will begin to move east from Monday night, but cold weather will prevail in the first half of the week. Another system will build off the coast after midweek, potentially bringing more rain to the area.
Here are the rainfall totals expected Sunday into Monday:
Here are the projected snowfall totals:
A winter storm warning has been issued for the mountains above 4,500 feet beginning Sunday at 6 p.m. and expires Monday night at 10 p.m. A wind advisory has also been issued for the San Diego desert from 4 a.m. Sunday until 8 a.m. Monday.
