Monsoonal Moisture Brings Increased Thunderstorm Chances to Southern California

This morning, a weak easterly wave produced high clouds and some embedded showers and weak storms across Southern CaliforniaPhoto byfrank mckennaonUnsplash

Southern California is experiencing a rise in monsoonal moisture, leading to increased chances of thunderstorms in the mountains and deserts over the next few days. The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecast a 10 to 20 percent chance of thunderstorms today, with the probability decreasing slightly on Thursday, and then increasing again on Friday and Saturday, reaching up to a 25 percent chance.

This morning, a weak easterly wave produced high clouds and some embedded showers and weak storms across Southern California, primarily affecting Imperial County and the southeastern portions of San Diego County. These showers are expected to weaken as the day progresses, remaining mostly in desert and mountain regions. While clearing near the Colorado River Valley might increase daytime heating and instability, the latest models suggest a drier scenario.

Foggy conditions were reported near San Diego this morning, with visibility dropping to near one half mile. Low clouds are expected to clear out later this morning, although higher clouds will persist throughout the day. The marine layer is anticipated to build slightly into Thursday and Friday, bringing the possibility of fog along higher coastal terrain.