More heavy rain, and possibly snow above 4,000 feet, are coming to San Diego starting late Christmas evening, according to a National Weather Service forecast.
“A major change is coming late Christmas night,” National Weather Service meteorologist Adam Roser said. “A colder system is making its way down the California coast from the Gulf of Alaska, bringing lots of rain in a storm likely to go through Friday night. Then, we might possibly have another storm system coming in early next week.”
Roser said the expected rainfall “is looking heavy with gusty winds along the coast and inland up to 30 mph.”
The winter storm is expected to impact the region starting Christmas afternoon and increasing later that night, possibly causing flooding in county areas when travelers might hit the roads following Christmas Day celebrations.
A colder weather system that made its way down the California coast from the Gulf of Alaska brought lots of rain in a storm on Monday, which largely passed through the county early Tuesday.
“There were some spotty showers here and there but that was about it,” weather service meteorologist Bruno Rodriguez said.
Tuesday’s highs included 64 degrees at Lindbergh Field, 60 to 63 along the coast, 56 to 61 in the inland valleys, 45 to 65 in the mountains and 62 to 66 in the deserts, according to the weather service.
Rainfall totals Tuesday included 0.24 of an inch in El Cajon, 0.80 of an inch in Rancho San Diego, 0.49 of an inch in Lemon Grove, 0.48 of an inch in Julian, 0.88 of an inch in Lake Cuyamaca, 0.31 of an inch in Mount Laguna and 0.45 of an inch in Campo.
Borrego Springs reported rainfall of 0.28 on an inch and Ocotillo Wells 0.15 of an inch of rain.
A winter storm watch, indicating the potential for heavy snows and reduced visibility in the mountains, will be in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Friday, according to the weather service.
San Diego’s annual rainfall season began Oct. 1, with 5.46 inches of rain recorded at San Diego International Airport. The average by this point in the season is 2.64 inches.
The average annual rainfall in San Diego is 10.34 inches. Last year, San Diego had 12.93 inches of rain.