Times are warming up in East County!

Triple-digit temperatures forecast for local deserts

April 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a  Fire Weather forecast indicating a chance of thunderstorms as well as dry lightning over East County mountains Monday afternoon and early evening. 

Dry lightning, which occurs without rainfall, poses a greater risk of sparking wildfires than lightning during a rainstorm. However, the potential for a large fire remains low locally due to lack of strong winds. 

By Miriam Raftery

March 19, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- As a late winter storm sweeps across our region, readers in San Diego's East County have shared some of their favorite photos of the season.

February 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Accidents have been reported on both eastbound and westbound I-8 in Alpine near Willows Road due to ice on the highway this evening. Due to snowfall, chains are required on Sunrise Highway, in Julian, and on old highway 80 in Jacumba.

Story by Miriam Raftery, photos by Billy Ortiz

February 14, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – A late season storm left a dusting of snow across rural and mountain areas in East County, dipping as low as Descanso along I-8. 

January 22, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – A high wind warning has been issued by the National Weather Service starting Monday at 6.a.m. through Tuesday at 4 p.m. A wind watch will remain in effect through Wednesday. Gale force winds may be strong enough to cause property damage and traffic hazards for motorists, the NWS warns.

January 13, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for this morning, remaining in effect until 2 p.m. for mountain areas in San Diego’s East County.

Winds of 20-30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph are forecast through and below passes and canyons. Cal-Fire has issued a no-burn proclamation banning campfires and other open fires effective immediately.

December 23, 2011 (San Diego)-- The National Weather Service has issued a wind warning for today and tomorrow in San Diego County.  Gusts of up to 60 mph are forecast with sustained winds in the 25-35 mph range.  Use caution when traveling particularly in high-profile vehicles.

Sunny skies are forecast for Christmas Day.

Cal-Fire asks public to be on the lookout for fires and be prepared

December 1, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – A wind warning has been downgraded to a wind advisory, however sustained northeasterly winds of 35 mph with gusts of 50 mph are forecast tonight through Friday afternoon in East County mountains, valleys and desert areas.

November 26, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – While much of the nation braces for snow or rain, San Diegans can look forward to possible record high temperatures Sunday. Highs could hit the upper 80s in inland valleys and the low 80s in high desert areas.

November 19, 2011(San Diego’s East County) – A Pacific storm is forecast to bring several inches of snow  on Sunday to East County mountain areas above 5,500 to 6,000 feet. Gusty winds up to 40 mph are also forecast in the mountains, with thunderstorms possible. Countywide, morning showers are expected to intensify in the afternoon and evening.

By Miriam Raftery

November 5, 2011 (San Diego's East County) - Julian receiving a dusting of snow in Friday's storm, though the slushy white had melted away by late today.  For those who missed a snow-day adventure, however, take heart.  More snow is forecast tomorrow in East County's mountain areas.