San Diego Shakes Off the Rain: Santa Ana Winds Poised to Return

Morning: Slick Roads and Spotty Showers

If you are waking up to gray skies and damp pavement this Saturday, January 24, 2026, you are not alone. Our latest meteorological data shows a low-pressure system lingering just to our south, though the heaviest moisture is already shifting away from the coast. The early morning hours will be defined by "wraparound" moisture from this departing storm, resulting in patchy fog and scattered light showers that are expected to persist through the mid-morning.

These showers are most likely to impact inland areas, including the foothills and mountain regions. Commuters and weekend travelers should exercise caution on the roads this morning. Key morning impacts include:

• Expect slick road conditions across the county due to overnight oil and water buildup.
• Minor travel delays are possible as visibility remains limited by low-hanging clouds and morning fog.
• While coastal areas will see minimal accumulation, inland regions may receive up to a tenth of an inch of rainfall.

Afternoon: Peaks of Sunshine and Cool Breezes

As we transition into the afternoon, the low-pressure system will continue its eastward trek toward Baja and the desert Southwest. While San Diego will remain mostly cloudy for the majority of the day, residents can look forward to occasional peaks of sunshine by the mid-afternoon. Temperatures will stay on the cooler side for late January, with a daytime high expected to reach approximately 61°F.

Humidity levels will remain relatively high at about 85% during the day, keeping the air feeling crisp. However, the atmosphere will begin to dry out significantly as the sun sets and a new weather pattern begins to take hold of the region.

Evening: The Santa Ana Shift

Tonight marks a significant transition in our local weather. As the low-pressure system exits, it makes way for a Santa Ana offshore wind event. By Saturday night, skies are forecast to clear significantly, allowing the overnight low to drop to around 53°F near the coast. Some protected inland valleys could see temperatures dip even further, potentially reaching the high 30s.

The primary concern for the late-night hours and into Sunday morning is the shift in wind direction and speed:

• Peak wind gusts are expected to reach 40 to 50 mph through major mountain passes.
• Inland valleys and canyons may experience easterly gusts between 20 and 35 mph.
• These offshore winds will usher in much drier conditions and a gradual warming trend for the coming week.

Currently, there are no active National Weather Service warnings or advisories for the San Diego metro area. However, residents in wind-prone canyons and foothills are advised to secure loose outdoor furniture before the gusts intensify late tonight.