Tropical Storm Priscilla is bringing increased rain chances and humid conditions to the San Diego region this week as moisture from the Pacific system moves north toward Southern California. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Priscilla, which nearly reached hurricane strength earlier this week, has now weakened but will still impact local weather patterns through Saturday.
According to meteorologist Brooke Martell, San Diegans can expect muggy conditions and warmer temperatures heading into the weekend as the tropical system’s remnants pass nearby. “As this system continues to influence our local weather conditions, it will feel a bit muggy, and we’ll have warmer temperatures by the end of the week,” Martell said in her Wednesday morning forecast.
Rain and Storm Chances from Hurricane San Diego System
The National Weather Service (NWS) said moisture from Tropical Storm Priscilla, now downgraded from near-hurricane strength, will increase the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday. Rain probabilities for San Diego range between 20% and 40% on Thursday, with the strongest chances in the mountains and lower desert regions by Friday.
On Saturday, as Priscilla’s remnants drift eastward, the chances for rain will taper off. The NWS noted that any leftover showers will be mainly confined to higher elevations. While the system is expected to bring some relief to the region’s typically dry October weather, forecasters emphasize that no major flooding or severe wind events are anticipated at this time.
On Wednesday, Priscilla’s weakening was confirmed by the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The system, once approaching major hurricane status, has since reduced in intensity as it interacts with cooler ocean waters off Baja California. Despite the weakening, its moisture plume remains wide enough to influence Southern California’s coastal and inland weather.
Weather Outlook for San Diego and Surrounding Areas
Wednesday’s forecast showed mild and varied temperatures across the region. Coastal areas are seeing upper 60s to mid-70s with patches of morning fog, while inland temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s. Mountain communities can expect sunshine with highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s, and desert regions remain sunny with highs in the low to mid-90s.
By the weekend, forecasters expect the tropical moisture to lift, giving way to drier and slightly warmer conditions. However, meteorologists are monitoring for potential lingering humidity through Saturday before clearer skies return by Sunday.
Regional Impacts and Broader Climate Context
The remnants of Tropical Storm Priscilla are a reminder of how tropical systems in the Pacific can influence Southern California’s fall weather. Such systems often lose strength before reaching the U.S., but their moisture can significantly affect local conditions, increasing rainfall probabilities and humidity levels. Experts from the National Weather Service note that the pattern is consistent with recent years where tropical moisture from Pacific systems contributed to brief but notable weather changes across the Southwest.
As San Diego braces for intermittent showers and muggy air through the end of the week, residents are advised to stay updated with official forecasts and plan accordingly for changing outdoor conditions. The region’s weather is expected to stabilize by Sunday as the remnants of Priscilla fully dissipate.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: Will Hurricane San Diego cause severe flooding?
No. Forecasts indicate light to moderate rainfall with minimal flooding risk, mainly in mountain and desert regions.
Q2: When will the rain end in San Diego?
Rain chances taper off by Saturday, with mostly dry conditions expected by Sunday.
Q3: What areas in San Diego will see the most rain?
The mountains and lower deserts have the highest probability of storms and showers through Friday.
Q4: Is Tropical Storm Priscilla still a hurricane?
No. Priscilla weakened to a tropical storm by Wednesday as confirmed by the National Hurricane Center.
Q5: Will temperatures increase after the storm?
Yes. Meteorologists expect warmer and more humid conditions late this week as Priscilla’s remnants move away.
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