Marine Weather and Tide Forecast for Imperial Beach, CA

DISCUSSION
FOR EXTREME SOUTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA INCLUDING ORANGE...
SAN DIEGO...WESTERN RIVERSIDE AND SOUTHWESTERN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTIES...

This evening...The pm sounding showed the marine layer still about 7,000 ft deep. Widespread clouds at multiple levels cover the region, with isolated light showers moving to the south and southeast as a low pressure system moves southward through the Great Basin and the low to our southwest becomes an open wave becoming absorbed into the southwest flow aloft.

From previous discussion...
Isold to SCT light showers will continue moving southeast across the region from the coast to the mountains, mostly tonight through Friday morning. The majority of showers will remain along the coastal foothills and throughout San Diego County, with less coverage elsewhere. Showers will continue to be light, with 0.01 to 0.15" of additional rainfall expected west of the mountains, and up to 0.25 to 0.40" in the mountains. Meanwhile, gusty west to southwest winds in the mountains and deserts are peaking this evening, with the strongest gusts through the mountain passes to 40-65 mph. Winds will weaken slightly and stronger winds become more isolated late tonight into Friday morning.

The majority of shower activity will end by early Friday afternoon as the trough axis moves to the east, but another wave passing to our northeast could provide enough lift to keep light showers going over the mountains Friday afternoon and evening. Winds will strengthen slightly again Friday afternoon over the mountains into the deserts, though not as strong as as today, with peak gusts through the passes in the 30-40 mph range. Any lingering showers taper off and winds weaken late Friday.

A broad ridge builds into the region Saturday and Sunday, bringing much warmer temperatures slightly below to near average on Saturday and near to slightly above average Sunday. While winds will be weaker over the mountains and deserts, warmer temperatures inland will lead to breezier conditions along the coast with a slightly stronger sea breeze. Temperatures Monday will be similar to Sunday along the coast with slight warming inland. Broad troughing moves into the western US next week, bringing gradual cooling each day through next week. Dry weather will continue with night and morning coastal low clouds.

AVIATION
180330Z
Coasts/Valleys/Foothills
BKN-OVC clouds based 4000-6000 feet MSL, locally down to 2500-3000 feet MSL in occasional -SHRA (mostly across San Diego Co) until 16Z Fri. Higher terrain obscured in FG up to 7500 feet MSL through Fri morning and afternoon as marine layer clouds persist. Partial scatter out likely for the coast and valleys into Friday afternoon.

Higher Mountains/Deserts...High clouds moving from north to south through the night near 10000-20000 feet MSL. Otherwise, mostly clear into Friday. Gusty westerly winds will continue through 12Z Fri with gusts 30-40 kt, locally up to 55 kt through and below passes. Strong up/downdrafts and isolated LLWS in lee of mountains such as vcnty KPSP. Winds weakening in SBD mts, with west wind gusts near 20-35 kts across the RIV/SD Co mountains and deserts into Friday.

MARINE
No hazardous marine conditions are expected through Monday.

SKYWARN
Skywarn activation is not requested. However weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions.

SGX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES
CA...None.
PZ...None.