San Diego County to see thunderstorms, rain and snow – NBC 7 San Diego

Dramatically cooler weather will sweep across San Diego County on Thursday, with two storm systems bringing “severely” colder temperatures, rain and snow in the mountains.

A winter storm watch will be in effect in the San Diego mountains from late Thursday night through 10 a.m. Sunday, with the National Weather Service warning of possible heavy snowfall and high winds.

According to the weather service, the first system will arrive from Thursday night to Friday, followed by a second round of precipitation from Friday night to Sunday.

“Snow and wind conditions with significant impact on visibility are possible, particularly during Friday’s morning commute,” NWS said.

Total snow chances are as follows:

• Altitudes over 6,000 feet – 10 to 14 inches
• Altitudes over 5,000 feet – 5 to 10 inches
• Altitudes over 4,000 feet – 1 to 5 inches

From Thursday noon to midnight there is also a wind warning for the mountains and desert areas. Sometimes gusts of up to 70 km/h are possible.

Falling temperatures will begin during the day Thursday and then fall more dramatically.

“The weather will be significantly colder from Friday through Sunday as a series of short waves in cold north-west current bring rain, wind and mountain snow,” NWS said.

Weather Service officials said the San Diego County mountains will likely receive the most rainfall during the first storm wave, with a possible 1 to 1.75 inches of rain, while coastal and valley areas could get between a quarter of an inch and an inch of rain. Desert areas will see 0.1 to 0.25 inches.

The wet weather is expected to hit overnight.

“Some showers and thunderstorms could pass just after midnight,” NBC 7 meteorologist Sheena Parveen said. “Expect some showers around tomorrow.”

As the second front moves into the region on Saturday, more rain will fall in mountainous areas, along with another quarter of an inch possible in valley areas. Snow depth, meanwhile, will drop to about 3,500 feet, with “several inches” of snow likely.

“The whole weekend will be much cooler,” said Parveen.