First Alert Forecast

RADAR: Track the storm bringing rain, possible thunderstorms to San Diego County

Expect Sunday to be a rainy day with a chance for thunderstorms

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A cold Pacific storm has been bringing widespread showers and fairly strong winds across San Diego County this weekend, but we should be drying out Sunday night.

"That's when the rain will be tapering off, especially after midnight," NBC 7 meteorologist Francella Perez said.

Monday is expected to be a nice day with mostly sunny and dry weather, but there is a small chance of some drizzle or light rain during the night into Tuesday morning, according to Perez.

LIST: Things to do on a rainy day in San Diego

Rainfall totals over the last 24 hours

  • Lake Cuyamaca: 2.43’’
  • Pine Hills: 1.87"
  • Julian: 1.70"
  • Ramona: 0.57"
  • La Mesa: 0.46"
  • San Diego International Airport: 0.05"
"With this weather, business is down like 80% this weekend," one business owner told NBC 7's Kelvin Henry on March 24, 2024.

Estimated snow accumulation

The snow level will likely drop down to between 4,500 and 5,000 feet on Sunday, leaving several inches of snow in our local mountains and a chance for up to 12 inches at our highest locations, such as Mount Laguna and Palomar Mountain before the weekend ends.

  • Trace of snow at 4,500 feet
  • 2 to 6 inches of snow at 5,000 to 5,500 feet
  • 6 to 12 inches of snow above 5,500 feet (Mount Laguna, Palomar Mountain)

At the coast, waves with sets up to 10 feet are expected for central and southern beaches.

Storm timing

  • Sunday: Scattered showers (heavy at times), chance of thunderstorms, high surf, more mountain snow, strongest winds in the morning
  • Monday: Chance of morning shower, drier at night

Advisories

A wind advisory for the mountains and deserts will be in effect until 11 p.m. Sunday. The coast and valley could see gusts from 50 - 60 mph, and the mountain and desert could see gusts up to 65 mph.

A winter storm advisory will be in effect until 11 p.m. Sunday for the San Diego County Mountains.

A high surf advisory will start on 9 a.m. Sunday and last until noon Monday. Wave heights from 5-10 ft. Sets could reach up to 10 feet. High tide will be around 9:26 a.m. Sunday.

Weather ahead

The coast and valleys will make a return to the mid-60s this week with gradual warming continuing through Wednesday. In the meantime, breezy afternoon conditions will develop over our mountains and deserts.

Rain is expected to make its way back into the forecast next weekend.

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