The Pacific storm that will begin spreading across San Diego County late Saturday night could produce enough rain and snow through Tuesday to significantly lower the threat of wildfires across the region, the National Weather Service indicated in an advisory.
The rain will become widespread Sunday night into Monday and could last into Tuesday, when it is expected to move off to the east.
Forecasters said the system is likely to drop 0.80 to 1.30 inches in coastal communities, with the lightest rainfall occurring in the southern part of San Diego County.
The inland valleys are projected to get 1.10 to 1.45 inches of rain, and the mountains will get 1.70 to 3 inches. The high desert will receive 0.50 to 0.80 inches of precipitation and the low desert will up to 0.60 inches.
Forecasters noted that thunderstorms could produce lightning in the backcountry, which could potentially spark a wildfire.
Up to 1 inch of snow is expected to fall between the 3,500 foot and 4,000 foot level, while 3 to 6 inches falls between 4,000 feet and 6,000 feet.
San Diego has only gotten 0.14 inches of rain since Oct. 1, leading to the driest start of the rainy season since 1850. The dryness has greatly contributed to the spread of wildfires throughout Southern California.
Originally Published:
