By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

November 28, 2018 (San Diego) - The National Weather Service is predicting that San Diego County’s first significant storm of the season will arrive Wednesday night and Thursday, with more rain possible on the weekend.

East County News Service

November 19, 2018 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service is forecasting  light rainfall across most of the region late Wednesday through mid-day on Thanksgiving this Thursday, with more rain possible Friday and Saturday. Gusty west to southwest winds will develop over the mountains and deserts through the period.  There is also a small chance of precipitation Friday night into Saturday, then Santa Ana winds developing for early next week with potential for rapid fire spread, says forecaster Jimmy Taeger.

East County News Service

October 12, 2018 (San Diego)-- A storm is forecast to bring rain across our county tonight through Saturday night.  Rainfall will be heaviest over the mountains with thunderstorms predicted.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 24, 2018 (San Diego) -- This is the first week of fall, and with it comes Santa Ana wind season. Though fire season is year round, fall typically brings triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds bringing high fire danger and red flag warnings. 

East County News Service

August 27, 2018 (San Diego) — The heat is on.  For those who may still be skeptics on climate change, the National Weather Service in San Diego has released statistics on record-breaking heat this summer in our region:

By Miriam Raftery

August 4, 2018 (San Diego) – Looking to beat the heat?  The ocean waters off San Diego are the warmest in a century—reaching a balmy 78.6 degrees Fahrenheit on August 1st to break an all-time record.

July 29, 2018  3 p.m. -- The National Weather Service just issued this urgent warning:

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Warning National Weather Service San Diego CA 259 PM PDT SUN JUL 29 2018 The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... North central San Diego County in southwestern California... * Until 400 PM PDT *

At 258 PM PDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Hwy 79 Between Santa Ysabel And Warner Springs, or 9 miles northwest of Julian, moving southwest at 10 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. *

Locations impacted include... Warner Springs, Hwy 79 Between Santa Ysabel And Warner Springs, Lake Henshaw, Ranchita, Hwy S2 Between Hwy 79 And Hwy 78, S7 - East Grade Rd, Hwy 78 Between Ramona And Santa Ysabel, Hwy 79 Between Warner Springs And Oak Grove, Santa Ysabel, Los Coyotes Indian Reservation, Wynola and Santa Ysabel Indian Reservation.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

By Miriam Raftery

July 1, 2018 (San Diego) — The National Weather Service predicts temperatures are likely to reach excessive levels by Friday and Saturday. There will also be a chance of thunderstorms in the mountains of San Diego County and other Southern California locations. Temperatures could reach 118 degrees in Borrego Springs, 101 in Ramona, 100 degrees in Alpine, and 97 degrees in Julian.

Be sure to stay well hydrated with plenty of water and avoid strenuous outdoor activities if possible.  If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Photo: Clouds layered “like pancakes” over East County’s mountains; National Weather Service San DIego

April 15, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a high wind advisory in effect starting at midnight tonight through 5 a.m. Tuesday in our mountains and deserts.

Gusts could reach 65 to 75 miles per hour, with sustained southwest to west winds of 35 to 45 mph. The strongest winds are forecast for Monday afternoon and evening.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

March 20, 2018 (San Diego) - The National Weather Service is predicting rain around San Diego County this week, potentially heavy rain on Thursday.

People in unincorporated areas can get free sandbags at numerous locations to help them protect their homes, properties and communities.

By Miriam Raftery

March 8, 2018 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service is predicting rain this weekend across San Diego County, with a “stronger and wetter” storm moving into the region next week.

Flooding and gusty winds are possible, with the heaviest rainfall locally forecast for Wednesday through Friday of next week, says Alex Tardy, forecaster with the National Weather Service in San Diego.

The rain is needed, since snowpack moisture levels are still far below normal statewide despite some recent wet weather.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Alex Tardy, National Weather Service San Diego

February 28, 2018 (San Diego) -- Another winter storm is set to swoop in Thursday night through Saturday from the Pacific Northwest, bringing potentially heavy rain and more mountain snow.  Winds could pick up too through mountain passes and desert slopes, too.

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- The National Weather Service forecasts that up to a foot and a half of snow could fall on Mount Laguna by tonight.  As of noon today, over five inches had been recorded at the peak. In Julian, over six inches have fallen.

"This storm is not like anything I’ve seen up here. Sun and snow are going back and forth…and nobody gets anywhere," says Bobbi Zane, who sent us the photos above.  "It’s been snowing all day, then the sun comes out and everything melts, then the snow stars coming down again. I had someone drive on my driveway so I can get my car out. By the time he finished, it had started snowing again. No using the car today!"

Source: San Diego Sheriff

February 21, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- Due to this week's winter storm, there is the possibility of snowfall in San Diego County Mountain areas including Julian, Pine Valley and Descanso.

For those planning to head out to the mountains, the Sheriff's Department wants to remind you to be prepared. Be sure to check road conditions before heading out. Have a full tank of gas, water and food supplies in case you are stranded in traffic since this region is known for “snow jams.”

By Miriam Raftery

February 13, 2018 (Borrego Springs) – Last year, visitors flocked to Anza-Borrego Desert for a superbloom – the most spectacular wildflower season in memory.  But expectations are wilting for this year’s wildflowers due to lack of rainfall.