Unsettled Weather Expected in Southern California This Week

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Unsettled weather is forecasted for Southern California this week as a trough of low pressure moves in from the Pacific. Residents should prepare for cooler temperatures and a chance of light rain starting late tonight and continuing into Thursday morning.

The National Weather Service predicts light scattered showers or drizzle with minimal accumulation, ranging from trace amounts to a few hundredths of an inch. The best chance for rain is between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m., with another wave of rain likely Thursday night into Friday morning.

Daytime high temperatures will drop significantly, especially for coastal and valley communities. Highs are expected to be 5 to 15 degrees below normal, with the mountains and deserts facing even more noticeable drops of 5 to 8 degrees. In addition, strong gusty winds between 25 and 55 mph are anticipated through Friday.

A deeper marine layer this week will contribute to periods of heavy mist and light rain each night and morning through Wednesday. Although little to no accumulation is expected during this period, more measurable rain is likely as the trough approaches on Thursday and Friday.

Initial forecasts suggest rainfall totals may reach 0.10 to 0.50 inches, primarily in the mountains. Onshore flow will also lead to gusty winds during the afternoons and evenings, particularly in mountainous and desert regions. Westerly gusts could reach between 20 and 45 mph, with isolated gusts over 50 mph possible.

Fortunately for holiday celebrations, pleasant weather conditions are expected for Easter weekend. Mostly sunny skies and warming temperatures will trend near average across the county by this weekend. For Easter Sunday, forecasts call for mid-60s along the coast, low to mid-70s inland, low to mid-60s in the mountains, and mid-80s in the deserts—ideal for outdoor activities like Easter egg hunts.

Looking ahead to next week, similar conditions are forecasted, with highs trending in the 60s and 70s across most areas. Residents are encouraged to stay updated with local forecasts as the weather remains unsettled through the week.