San Diego Weather: Chilly Days Ahead Before Easter Warm-Up

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — San Diego is experiencing a significant cooling trend as expansive stratus clouds are set to blanket much of the county this Wednesday afternoon, April 16, 2025. Residents can expect a chilly few days ahead, with temperatures dipping below seasonal norms.

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, these readings remain considerably cooler than usual, with afternoon temperatures expected to be 5 to 15 degrees below average through Friday, April 18, 2025.

An area of low pressure is moving inland, bringing the possibility of patchy drizzle and scattered rain showers overnight and into Thursday morning, April 17, 2025. Preliminary forecasts estimate rainfall totals ranging from .01 to .25 inches, and up to .50 inches in mountainous regions, although this system is not expected to deliver significant rainfall.

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 anticipated to bring even cooler temperatures, particularly in the mountains, where temperatures could drop 10 to 15 degrees lower than Wednesday’s readings.

Wind conditions will also be concerning. Gusty winds are expected to sweep across the region, with westerly gusts reaching 40 to 50 miles per hour in the mountains and deserts, and up to 25 miles per hour along coastal areas. Isolated gusts could peak between 55 to 65 mph, especially in mountainous and desert regions, creating potentially hazardous conditions for outdoor activities.

As the week progresses, weather conditions are set to shift. By the weekend, drier and warmer weather should return. Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, is predicted to be mostly sunny, with temperatures rising to the mid-60s along the coast and into the mid-70s for the valleys. However, the deserts may experience significant warming, with highs approaching 90 degrees.

This change in weather has prompted officials to remind residents to prepare for potential travel disruptions, especially in mountain areas where low clouds and strong winds could affect visibility. Aviation forecasts indicate low clouds may scatter throughout the coastal basin into the coastal mountain slopes, with cloud bases reported between 2,500 and 3,500 feet and tops reaching 4,500 feet.

Despite the cooler temperatures, the upcoming weekend promises a pleasant reprieve, ideal for outdoor activities and family gatherings during the Easter holiday. As temperatures trend back to near-average levels, residents can look forward to a more comfortable climate after this cool spell.

In summary, San Diego is facing a notable drop in temperatures, gusty winds, and the potential for light rain as two low-pressure systems move through the area. The community is advised to stay informed and prepare for changing conditions as the week progresses.