Atmospheric River Delivers Record Rain to San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — A weak atmospheric river storm swept into San Diego County on Wednesday, bringing days of intermittent rain, mountain snow, and gusty winds. As of Thursday evening, the storm has already delivered significant precipitation across the region, with forecasts predicting that totals will approach one inch in coastal communities and exceed that amount inland.

The rain totals accumulated over the past 48 hours indicate a historic weather event for the region. By 5:17 p.m. on Thursday, several daily rainfall records were broken in multiple cities, marking the heaviest rain recorded for February 13 in history.

San Diego County experienced moderate to heavy rain throughout Thursday, with numerous areas facing wind and cooler temperatures. Rainfall totals continue to come in from various local microclimates, showcasing significant variation across the county.

While the storm will begin to taper off overnight, there remains a slight chance of light rain early Friday. Additionally, residual showers are expected throughout the day, contributing a mere 0.01 to 0.10 inches more before the storm exits. Meteorologists predict that by the weekend, a shift towards sunnier conditions and warmer temperatures will provide a welcome reprieve.

Local meteorologists indicate that while the atmospheric river is expected to leave the county by the weekend, the storm demonstrates the impact of climate patterns on Southern California weather, with increased instances of heavy precipitation. “This was an unusual event for February, highlighting the potential for significant weather shifts and their effects on our local environment,” said a meteorologist from the National Weather Service.

Residents throughout the county are advised to remain cautious, as conditions will still be affected by lingering moisture and winds. However, the upcoming weekend promises sunny skies that will likely attract many to the outdoors.