SMALL STORM EXPECTED TO HIT MIDWEEK

S.D. County’s first major rain in more than month forecast for Wednesday

San Diego County could receive its first significant rainfall in more than a month late Wednesday when a small storm out of the North Pacific spreads across much of Southern California, says the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say the latest models indicate that 0.25 inches to 0.50 inches of precipitation will fall between Wednesday afternoon and early Thursday, while the inland mountains get up to 0.75 inches.

It is possible that the system could affect service at the county’s outdoor COVID-19 vaccine superstations.

San Diego International Airport recorded only 0.10 inches of rain in February and it hasn’t experienced heavy precipitation since Jan. 29, when 0.95 inches of precipitation fell. Since the rainy season began on Oct. 1, the airport has received 2.88 inches of precipitation, which is 4.48 inches below average.

The county continues to be lashed on and off by Santa Ana winds, which are causing vegetation to dry out faster than usual, increasing the threat of wildfires. Forecasters said the winds were expected to regain speed Monday night and blow 40 mph or more across some inland areas until early today.

Temperatures are expected to rise to 71 today — six degrees above average. But San Diego is forecast to only hit 66 on Wednesday and 64 on Thursday.

A swell that produced good surf conditions over the weekend is fading. Waves are expected to be in the 1- to 3-foot range today, and seasurface temperatures will remain in the 56- to 58-degree range.