Winter’s Parting Shot: Cold Mornings and Clear Skies Grip San Diego Today

A Crisp Transition for America’s Finest City

San Diego is waking up to a significant shift in weather this Friday, February 20, 2026. Following a week dominated by a powerful storm system that brought heavy rain and mountain snow to the region, the atmosphere is finally beginning to stabilize. While the clouds are parting, residents should not be fooled by the sunshine—a colder air mass has settled in, making this one of the chillier days of the season.

Morning: A Frosty Commute and Lingering Gusts

Early risers will feel the bite of winter as temperatures hover in the mid-40s across the coastal and inland valleys. In more sheltered areas, particularly near the foothills, lows have dipped as far as 42°F. The National Weather Service notes that while the most intense precipitation has moved east, the morning commute may still be impacted by lingering moisture on the roads and extremely cold air. Humidity levels are starting the day at approximately 55%, and the air feels noticeably drier than it did 24 hours ago.

For those traveling into the Riverside and San Diego County mountains, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 9:00 AM PST. High-elevation passes are experiencing strong winds with gusts recorded as high as 65 to 70 mph, leading to blowing snow and reduced visibility. Caltrans and local authorities advise extreme caution on icy roads through the mid-morning hours.

Afternoon: Sunny Skies but Limited Warmth

By the afternoon, San Diegans can expect mostly sunny skies as the low-pressure system continues its exit. However, the mercury will struggle to climb, with a projected high of just 58°F to 60°F for the coastal strip and inland regions. This is several degrees below the seasonal average for late February. Despite the clear conditions, a persistent breeze will keep the "real feel" temperature in the mid-50s throughout the day. The chance of any further rainfall is minimal, currently sitting at a low 10%.

Evening: Clear and Cold Conditions

As the sun sets, the lack of cloud cover will allow temperatures to plummet quickly. Tonight is expected to be clear and quite cold, with overnight lows again reaching the low 40s. Residents are encouraged to bring sensitive plants indoors and ensure that pets have adequate shelter. The calm, clear night will set the stage for a dry and slightly warmer weekend, but for today, the focus remains on staying warm in the face of this lingering winter chill.

At a Glance: Today’s Forecast

• High Temperature: 60°F
• Low Temperature: 42°F
• Rain Chance: 10%
• Humidity: 55%
• Wind Alerts: Expiring mountain gusts up to 70 mph