Short but heavy storm expected to burst into county by Tuesday

A brief but intense storm is expected to bring showers and strong winds to San Diego County on Tuesday, forecasters said Sunday.

“A low pressure system moving southward along the West Coast will bring stronger onshore winds Monday into Tuesday night, along with showers from the coast to the mountains Monday night into Tuesday night,” the National Weather Service predicted in a forecast discussion.

The system is also expected to bring in colder air, chances of showers and some of the first high-elevation snow of the season on Monday night.

“Snow levels will remain generally above 7000 feet with minor accumulations above resort levels,” the NWS said. “Big Bear Lake may see a dusting.”

By late Monday, gusty weather is expected for the mountains and deserts, with winds between 30 to 40 mph and possibly exceeding 55 mph in the wind-prone passes and slopes. Precipitation is expected to begin Monday night and last through Tuesday night.

Tuesday’s temperatures will cool considerably, with a high of 68 predicted for downtown San Diego.

“For next weekend the warming continues inland while marine layer clouds and fog return to the coastal areas,” the NWS added.

In maritime weather, winds of 20 to 25 knots and choppy seas for all areas Tuesday morning through the evening. By Wednesday night the rain will have moved on and temperatures will begin warming up again after that – for a little while, the NWS said.

“Much more benign weather expected from Wednesday onward with a gradual return to seasonably cool temperatures by late week.”

City News Service contributed to this report.