San Diego heats up as Santa Ana winds peak Sunday

San Diego County will experience above-average temperatures through the middle of next week as weak to moderate Santa Ana winds gradually diminish, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures are expected to peak Sunday, when wind gusts could reach 40 mph in mountain passes and foothills. Inland valleys will approach 90 degrees, while coastal areas will see highs between 83 and 88 degrees. Foothill communities are forecast to reach 78 to 83 degrees, and desert regions will warm to 82 to 86 degrees.

A coastal flood advisory remains in effect through noon Tuesday. Elevated tides and surf of 3 to 6 feet could cause minor coastal flooding, with larger waves possible along west-facing beaches on Monday.

Winds are expected to weaken Monday, leading to a gradual cooling trend later in the week. Coastal highs will drop to 82 to 87 degrees on Monday, 80 to 85 degrees on Tuesday, and 81 to 86 degrees on Wednesday. Overnight lows across the coast will range from 58 to 65 degrees during this period.

Inland valleys will see highs of 81 to 87 degrees from Monday through Thursday, with overnight lows between 54 and 63 degrees. Mountain highs will range from 65 to 75 degrees Sunday and Monday, then 68 to 77 degrees Tuesday through Thursday. Desert highs will hold at 84 to 88 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday before dropping to 79 to 83 degrees on Friday.

Forecasters said confidence in rainfall remains low, though a weather system could bring a slight chance of showers Friday and Saturday. Friday’s highs will fall to 75 to 78 degrees on the coast, 68 to 78 degrees in inland valleys, and 62 to 69 degrees in the mountains.