Rain, snow may be inbound to San Diego after weeks of fire weather

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Following weeks of critically bone-dry conditions, San Diego County could finally get a taste of rain over the weekend.

The National Weather Service is forecasting solid chances for measurable rain — and potential low-elevation snow — in the county as early as Saturday, bringing some much needed respite to the region from stubborn conditions primed for erratic fire behavior.

The rain comes from a cold, upper level low pressure system moving in from the north, NWS says. It is anticipated to reach Southern California in full by Sunday, and potentially linger with some showers until Tuesday.

MORE: San Diego Weather & Forecast

Models from the federal service are showing the system is favorable for 65% chances of at least one-quarter inch of precipitation in western areas Saturday into Sunday evening. Up in the mountains, there is about a 20% chance for three-quarters of an inch or more.

During this time, snow levels are anticipated to drop to about 4,500 feet or 5,000 feet Saturday afternoon before falling to 3,500 feet to 4,000 feet on Sunday.

The dip could mean some low-elevation mountain areas in San Diego — like Julian — and the High Desert see snow accumulations. Higher up, in elevations above 7,000 feet, NWS says this potential snow build up could be as deep as a foot or more.

That said, NWS notes conditions will remain ideal for fast-moving fires up until the weekend, with Santa Ana winds and low relative humidity through Friday.

Another round of Santa Ana winds hits San Diego: A look at peak wind speeds

Northeast winds will continue through Wednesday night at speeds of 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts of 45 to 55 miles per hour along the coastal mountain slopes, while forecasters estimate relative humidity to hover around 5%.

According to NWS, the winds will strengthen again Thursday, hitting speeds of 30 to 40 miles per hour with gusts of 75 to 85 miles per hour in mountain areas. On Friday, the worst of the winds will have passed, but daytime humidity lows will stick around 5 to 10%.

Given these conditions, NWS extended its Red Flag Warning, which was issued last weekend, through Friday at 10 a.m. for San Diego County’s inland valleys and mountains.

Above: FOX 5/KUSI video explaining a Red Flag Warning.

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