Weekend Weather Expected to Turn Wintry

A low-pressure system was expected to sweep into the region Saturday night, bringing rain, snow and gusty wind to San Diego County Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

The Pacific low-pressure system was expected to move through Southern California late Saturday night through Sunday night, which was likely to lead to precipitation along and west of the mountains.

One-tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain was expected to fall near the coast and a little less than half an inch could fall on coastal mountain slopes.

Forecasters also said there was a slight chance of thunderstorms Sunday afternoon and evening.

“The main period of precipitation for most areas is expected Sunday morning,” according to the NWS. “Showers will linger, mainly near the mountains, into the afternoon, decreasing and ending from the north Sunday night.”

Snow levels could drop to altitudes of 4,500 to 5,000 feet Sunday and between 4,000 and 4,500 Sunday night. Two to 5 inches of snow could fall in areas higher than 5,000 feet, the NWS said.

West winds in the mountains and deserts were also expected, with gusts that could reach about 45 miles per hour Sunday afternoon and evening near mountain ridge tops, along desert mountain slopes and into adjacent areas.

The wintry weather could cause problems for motorists along Interstate 8 and on other mountain roads.

“Driving through the mountains may be difficult at times due to locally reduced visibility, slick roads, strong winds and snow,” according to the NWS.

Highs Sunday were forecast to be between 54 and 59 degrees along the coast, 53 to 58 degrees in the valleys, 56 to 61 degrees in the deserts and 35 to 45 degrees in the mountains, the NWS reported.

Fair weather should return Monday, forecasters said.