Rain Arrives in San Diego County with Showers, Wind, and Potential Thunderstorms

A cold front is bringing unsettled weather to the region, with impacts expected in the mountains and deserts.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, depicting a dramatic, stormy sky filled with heavy clouds looming over a rugged, mountainous terrain. The scene conveys a sense of the overwhelming scale and power of the natural world.As a powerful cold front moves through San Diego County, the region braces for a day of unsettled weather, including heavy rain, gusty winds, and the potential for snow in the mountains.San Diego Today

San Diego County is experiencing one of its more impactful weather days in recent weeks, as a cold front moves through the region bringing rain, gusty winds, and the chance for isolated thunderstorms. The main system is expected to push through the area by early to mid-afternoon, with the potential for heavier rain, snow in the mountains, and strong gusts up to 50 mph in the mountains and desert passes.

Why it matters

This storm system is bringing a significant change in weather conditions to San Diego County, with the potential for hazardous travel, power outages, and impacts to outdoor activities. The region has seen relatively dry and mild weather in recent weeks, so this cold front represents a notable shift in the weather pattern.

The details

The cold front is expected to reach San Diego County by early to mid-afternoon, with light, scattered showers already occurring this morning. As the front moves through, there is enough instability in the atmosphere to produce periods of heavier rain and even isolated thunderstorms. Winds will also ramp up throughout the day, especially in the mountains and desert passes, where gusts could reach 45 to 50 miles per hour. In the mountains, snow levels are expected to drop to around 5,000 feet by tonight, meaning communities at higher elevations could see several inches of fresh snow by Sunday morning.

  • The cold front is expected to push through Orange County around midday, reaching San Diego County by early to mid-afternoon.
  • Showers will continue overnight into Monday morning before gradually tapering off by Monday afternoon.
  • Drier and warmer weather is expected to return by Tuesday and Wednesday.

The players

San Diego County

The region in Southern California that is experiencing the impacts of the cold front and associated weather conditions.

Julian

A community in the mountains of San Diego County that could see several inches of snow due to the dropping snow levels.

Big Bear

A mountain community in Southern California that could also see significant snowfall as a result of the cold front.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm system and provide updates on any potential impacts or changes to the forecast.

The takeaway

This storm system is a significant weather event for San Diego County, bringing the potential for hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and impacts to outdoor activities. Residents and visitors should be prepared for the changing weather conditions and take necessary precautions, especially those planning to travel to the mountains.