The month of April wraps up this week, and so does the primary rainy season in San Diego. The region got some much-needed wetness over the weekend, but hot and dry temperatures are setting in once again.
A strong ridge of high pressure is building over San Diego County and expected to bring near-triple digit temperatures by mid-week, along with gusty winds and low humidity.
“Significantly above average temperatures will last through at least Friday,” forecasters said on National Weather Service San Diego’s Facebook page. "There will also be periods of strong Santa Ana winds Tuesday and Wednesday with moderate strength winds continuing into Thursday.”
Inland area highs are expected to peak in the upper 90s to 100 starting Tuesday; coastal regions will soar to the upper 80s and low 90s, according to NWS.
With the dry season setting in, Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday issued his second drought emergency proclamation in three months, saying the state would redouble its efforts to conserve and distribute water fairly.
“I'm calling upon all Californians, municipal water agencies, and anyone who uses water to do everything possible to conserve," said Brown.
Brown said the new executive order would curtail the application process for farmers who need water, and cut red tape for cities that need to expand their water systems.
The move comes as every inch of California is now under some level of drought, ranging from exceptional to moderate, according to the U.S. Climate Data Center. San Diego falls under the extreme level, with rainfall deficits at more than 5 inches below average.
National Weather Service San Diego Meteorologist Philip Gonsalves said the potential for significant rain in May is slim.
“As we transition out of our wintertime season the Pacific low pressure systems that bring us our rainfall during the winter and early spring months tend to migrate farther north,” said Gonsalves.
Temperatures from January through March in San Diego were the warmest ever recorded for that time period, according to NWS.
Hot and dry conditions are expected to increase through spring and summer, according to a U.S. Climate Prediction Center report.
