Warmer Days Forecast : Sun Could Make Comeback Against a Gray May

Winter-like weather may give way to more typical May skies when the gray clouds and rain that put a cap on the holiday weekend begin to break for afternoon sunshine today.

According to the National Weather Service, clouds will continue to cling to both night and morning skies through Thursday, but partly sunny, slightly warmer afternoons are predicted.

Gusty winds, which reached 30 m.p.h. at Lindbergh Field and spoiled outdoor picnics throughout the county Monday, diminished Tuesday. But low temperatures and scattered showers continued in a weather pattern that reminded forecasters of late March, not late May.

“It’s cooler and more unsettled than normal for this time of year. It is reminiscent of late winter,” National Weather Service forecaster Frank Perdue said.

Low-Pressure System

A low-pressure system over the West Coast generated the cooler weather, Perdue said. Winds were kicked up in a battle between low pressures over Nevada and high pressures off the coast.

Light rain fell throughout the county, with .02 of an inch recorded at Lindbergh Field. San Diego State University and National City recorded .05, and a countywide high of .42 of an inch fell at Palomar Mountain.

Although county residents were surprised to see rain for the holiday, showers in May are not unusual, and rainfall totals this month are well below normal.

Surf has been up during the stormy weather, and waves will continue to be as high as seven feet today with average swells of four to six feet, Perdue said.

Temperatures may rise slightly with partly sunny afternoon skies through Thursday. Highs of 65 to 70 degrees are expected along the coast, and temperatures of up to 72 are expected inland. Beaches highs should be in the 60s, and the ocean water temperature will hover at 65.