Cold Front Moves In, More Rain Tuesday

A cold front will move through San Diego County on Tuesday, bringing high surf to the coast, snow to the mountains, and rain throughout the region, including a 70 percent chance of rain in Santee.

The front also will bring dense fog this morning and strong winds later Tuesday, especially in higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service.

A dense fog advisory in the mountains was set to expire at 9 a.m., while a wind advisory for the same areas was scheduled to take effect at noon and last through this evening.

"Dense fog will lift as a cold front approaches (this) morning," forecasters said. "Winds will become northerly and continue strong (tonight) and Wednesday. A new advisory may be in effect on Wednesday for southern slopes of the mountain foothills."

During the wind advisory period, sustained west winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour were expected in the mountains, gusting to up to 55 mph.

The snow level was expected to drop to 4,500 feet this evening, with around an inch of snow accumulation likely overnight.

The cold front also will generate a large west-northwest swell and strong winds over inner coastal waters, according to an NWS advisory.

"This swell, combined with wind waves, is forecast to generate high surf along the San Diego County coastal late this afternoon through early Wednesday morning, especially along west-facing beaches," according to an NWS advisory. "Diminishing swell and winds will lower surf below 7 feet by mid- morning Wednesday."

A high surf advisory was scheduled from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. Wednesday. During that period, 4- to 7-foot waves, with occasional sets to 9 feet on west- facing beaches, were expected.

"High surf and very strong rip currents will result in dangerous swimming conditions at the beaches, especially for inexperienced swimmers," according to an NWS advisory. "Minor beach erosion is also possible."

A small craft advisory for local mariners was in effect until 10 a.m., when a gale warning was scheduled to take effect and last through late tonight. Mariners can expect sustained west winds of 15 to 12 knots this afternoon, along with 3- to 5-foot wind waves, according to the Weather Service.

"It is highly recommended that mariners without the prior experience seek safe harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions," forecasters said.

Rainfall totals from the cold front were expected to be light to moderate for areas along and west of the mountains, ranging from up to a quarter-inch in coastal and valley areas to an inch-and-a-half in the mountains.

Highs today were expected to mainly be in the low 60s in coastal areas, 50s in the valleys, 40s in the mountains and mid-60s in the deserts.

-City News Service

NWS Santee Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Showers likely, mainly before 4pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 62. West wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 60.