Cold, windy conditions and a chance of snow could be part of the forecast in San Diego's mountains for New Year's Eve, according to NBC 7 forecasters.
Anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of snow can be expected in the mountains while the rest of the county will see light, though not significant amounts of rainfall on the last day of 2018, NBC 7's Meteorologist Sheena Parveen said.
First Alert Doppler 7 was picking up light scattered precipitation early Monday, though throughout the day rainfall would not total more than a quarter-inch, Parveen said.
Rainfall was expected to clear from the coastal and inland valleys by the time New Year's Eve celebrations begin in the evening, Parveen said, though partygoers should be prepared for chilly and breezy conditions, Parveen said.
"Don’t be concerned if you have plans tonight. You will not need an umbrella," Parveen said. "If you are heading out, you’ll at least need a warm coat."
However, San Diego's mountains would experience a full spectrum of weather.
Local
The NWS on Sunday issued a winter weather advisory that will go into effect 6 a.m. Monday in the mountains when a cold trough rolls into the area.
The trough will bring rain on the west side of the mountains and a chance of snow at elevations above 5,000 feet early in the morning, the weather service said.
As the day continues, the freezing level is expected to fall rapidly, bringing the possibility of snow to elevations above 3,500 feet, forecasters said.
The rain and snow could create icy conditions on Interstate 8 and mountain roads, including Sunrise Highway, late Monday into the evening, the NWS said.
The cold, chilly weather will also be accompanied by strong winds of 25 to 40 mph, according to NWS.
When the winter weather advisory expires Monday night, a high wind advisory goes into effect for the San Diego valley areas, the NWS said.
"After all that leaves tonight, winds will be increasing; tomorrow will be a very windy day. We could see gusts near 75 miles per hour in the foothills and mountain passes," Parveen said.
Winds will average 40 to 50 miles per hour through Tuesday night.
The advisories come after a chilly weekend in San Diego where temperatures dipped into the 30s and 40s along the coast. A frost advisory was in effect until 8 a.m. Sunday.
