As Santa Ana Winds Fade, San Diego Set for a Mild Weekend Warm-Up

By San Diego Monitor News

San Diego is poised for a noticeable warm-up this weekend as the Santa Ana winds that swept across the region begin to lose steam. Forecasters with the National Weather Service say the strongest gusts have already pushed through, with the remaining offshore flow expected to back off steadily through the day.

The easing winds mark the end of a brief but brisk pattern that brought cooler mornings and elevated fire concerns inland. With the pressure gradient relaxing, temperatures are on track to rebound across the county — a shift that should be felt from the beaches to the backcountry by Saturday.

High pressure is expected to build over Southern California early next week, setting the stage for a pronounced warm spell. Inland communities may see temperatures running 12 to 18 degrees above what’s typical for mid-December, with the peak of the warming trend likely arriving Tuesday and Wednesday.

Along the coast, the calmer weather won’t necessarily mean quiet conditions. Very high tides combined with surf up to 5 feet may lead to minor flooding in low-lying areas, including beachfront parking lots. Forecasters warn that some erosion and water encroaching on walkways could accompany the morning high-tide cycles.

While the region transitions away from the blustery pattern, San Diego residents can expect a comfortable weekend overall — ideal for outdoor plans, with just a bit of caution advised for those headed to the shoreline.