A rainy morning in parts of San Diego County is expected to give way to a very windy afternoon and evening.
Intermittent rain showers are expected in areas other than the deserts through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Rainfall amounts could range from a quarter-inch near the coast to a half to three quarters of an inch in the mountains.
A National Weather Service high wind warning for the mountains and deserts is set to take effect at noon Monday and extend until 3 a.m. Tuesday. Winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour are expected, along with gusts that may reach 75 mph in some areas.
"A cold low pressure system moving southward through the western states will bring stronger onshore flow with cooling, periods of showers along and west of the mountains with the greatest coverage and amounts in the mountains, and periods of gusty west wind in the mountains and deserts — strongest this afternoon through tonight," according to the weather service.
Peak wind speeds are expected along mountain ridge tops, desert mountain slopes and into adjacent desert areas. Also in the mountains, the snow level will to drop to 5,000 to 5,500 starting late Monday night. A few inches could accumulate through Wednesday.
Forecasters said the winds would kick up sand and dust alongside desert roadways, which could make for hazardous driving conditions. The wind may also be strong enough to down tree limbs.
Difficult travel conditions may be possible along parts of Interstates 8 and 15, and on state Route 78, according to the weather service. Motorists, especially those in high profile vehicles, were urged to use extra caution.
