New Storm Approaching : Put Away Happy Faces; More Rain Expected

San Diegans might not want to put on happy faces today, as gray skies aren’t expected to clear and rain is predicted for the remainder of the week, the National Weather Service reported.

A “particularly nice” morning with some clouds will segue into a 30% chance of rain this afternoon, increasing to a 60% chance by tonight, according to forecaster Harvey Hastrup. This new storm is expected to mark the return of colder temperatures to the county, especially to the mountains and agricultural areas.

“This storm approaching the Southland will be colder than the storm earlier this week because it’s coming from the Pacific Northwest,” Hastrup said. “Basically, the highs for all areas on Thursday will range from 58 to 64 degrees.”

A 30% chance of showers, accompanied by partly cloudy skies and cooler temperatures, is also predicted for Friday, Hastrup said. Daytime highs for the coastal strip and inland areas will range from 55 to 61 degrees.

January is traditionally the wettest month of the year, and this storm is a “typical winter system moving through,” Hastrup said.

Overnight lows for the coastal strip will range from 48 to 53 tonight and Friday. Inland lows will be 40 to 48 degrees both nights.

Currently, the snow is at 5,000 feet. However, this fresh storm may drop the snow level to 4,000 feet, Hastrup said.

The surf is at 2 to 4 feet, and the ocean water temperature is 55.

Mountain highs today will be 38 to 46, and 34 to 42 Friday. Overnight lows will range from 24 to 32 degrees. Gusty winds between 15 and 30 m.p.h. are also forecast for the mountains, Hastrup said.

The desert region will experience highs between 55 and 63 both days, and overnight lows between 40 and 48 degrees. The desert will also experience gusty westerly winds of up to 25 m.p.h.