Weather Watch: The Start of the Week May Be a Wet One

A cold storm is set to move into the region late Sunday, and should bring colder temperatures, gusty wind, rain and snow to some areas Monday, the National Weather Service forecast Saturday.

The storm may bring 2 to 5 inches of snow Monday to mountain areas at altitudes as low as 3,000 feet, such as Pine Valley, Julian and Laguna Mountain, according to the NWS. Forecasters hedged their bets, but said accumulations of between 8 and 12 inches were possible by Monday night.

Strong and potentially damaging winds are expected in deserts and mountain areas as well, the NWS said. Gusts of up to 75 miles per hour could be possible over mountain ridges through Monday night.

The combination of strong winds with dangerously low wind chills, cold weather and possible snow could pose a hazard for hikers and campers in mountain areas, the NWS said.

Travel through mountain passes could become dangerous as wind speeds increase, temperatures fall below freezing and roads become slippery, the NWS said. Visibility could be occasionally reduced to near zero in falling and blowing snow, the NWS said.

The NWS issued a winter storm watch for San Diego County back-country areas above 4,000 feet, including Cuyamaca, Julian and Mount Laguna, which will go into effect late Sunday. A winter storm watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.

The NWS forecast for Ramona doesn’t include any snow, but a half-inch fell in some parts of town last year on Feb 26:

Tonight: Areas of fog after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Sunday: Areas of fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 67. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest.

Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 44. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Monday: Showers, mainly before 4pm. High near 51. West wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

-City News Service