A weak cold front is expected to bring San Diego its first measurable rain in four months today, and light Santa Ana winds could follow tomorrow night, according to the National Weather Service.
Inland temperatures, which whipsawed from highs near 100 degrees midweek to the 60s today, should shoot back up to the mid-90s by Wednesday.
The rain today is expected to be light.
“It's not going to amount to much,” National Weather Service forecaster Steve Vanderburg said. “The rainfall amounts look kind of meager – about a tenth of an inch inland, and less at the coast. There should be slightly more on the mountain slopes – maybe two-tenths of an inch.”
A thick layer of low clouds could bring drizzle this morning, but most areas, especially along the coast, won't get more than slick pavement, Vanderburg said.
The sun is expected to peek through for a few hours in the late morning and early afternoon before the cold front arrives, Vanderburg said. The best chance for rain is tonight and before dawn tomorrow.
Rain is not expected to reach the deserts, but blowing dust could be a concern. The weather service has issued a wind advisory for the mountains and deserts from 11 a.m. today through 5 p.m. tomorrow. Winds could gust to 50 mph on the desert slopes and 40 mph in the mountains, Vanderburg said.
By tomorrow night, west winds should cease, and the gusts should come out of the east or north. Dry, Santa Ana conditions are expected through Wednesday morning.
The last measurable rain at Lindbergh Field, San Diego's official weather station, fell June 4, when 0.02 of an inch was recorded.
Robert Krier: (619) 293-2241; rob.krier@uniontrib.com
