If you’re heading out in San Diego tonight, brace yourself for a major wind event. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning in effect until 4:00 AM on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Winds are already picking up, and certain areas—especially near the San Gorgonio Pass—could see gusts as strong as 60 mph.
But here’s the good news: once the winds subside, San Diego is in for a gorgeous, sunny weekend.
Right now, temperatures are mild at 54°F (12°C) with mostly clear skies. However, those powerful winds are making it feel colder and more hazardous, particularly for drivers, hikers, and anyone spending time outdoors.
What’s Happening With This Wind Event?
San Diego occasionally gets hit with strong offshore winds, and this system is particularly intense. The west winds tonight will range between 25 to 35 mph, but localized gusts could easily exceed 50 to 60 mph, especially in mountainous and desert-adjacent areas.
The biggest dangers?
- Hazardous Driving: High-profile vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, may struggle to stay stable on highways, particularly on elevated roads and near the coast. Sudden gusts could push cars unexpectedly, making travel risky.
- Flying Debris & Falling Trees: Winds this strong can easily snap branches, topple weak trees, and send loose outdoor furniture or decorations flying.
- Power Outages: Strong gusts could bring down power lines, leaving parts of the region in the dark. Some flickering has already been reported in areas prone to outages.
Your Weekend Forecast: From Chaotic Winds to Calm Sunshine
Once the winds die down by early Saturday morning, San Diego’s signature beautiful weather makes a comeback.
- Saturday, February 15: Morning clouds will linger, but by the afternoon, expect sunshine and comfortable temperatures around 66°F (19°C). The winds will calm significantly, and it’ll be an ideal day to head outdoors.
- Sunday, February 16: Even better! Temperatures will rise slightly to 68°F (20°C), and a few high-altitude clouds may drift through, but expect plenty of sun.
Why These Winds Happen
So what’s causing all this chaos? The culprit is a pressure gradient between a high-pressure system over the Pacific and a lower-pressure system inland. This setup forces fast-moving air through mountain passes and valleys, intensifying wind speeds.
This particular event is not a Santa Ana wind event, which usually brings hot, dry air from the desert. Instead, these are west winds, meaning they’re coming in from the ocean, making them cooler but still extremely strong.
How to Stay Safe Tonight
- Secure Anything That Can Fly Away: If you have outdoor furniture, trash bins, or hanging decorations, make sure they’re tied down or brought inside before the winds pick up further.
- Drive With Extreme Caution: If you’re on the road, keep a firm grip on the wheel, avoid sudden lane changes, and be aware of strong crosswinds. If you drive a high-profile vehicle, consider postponing your trip.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Charge your phone, have flashlights or candles ready, and check that your emergency kit is stocked with water, food, and batteries just in case.
- Avoid Hiking or Outdoor Activities Tonight: Wind gusts can knock down trees, kick up debris, and make trails more dangerous than usual. If you were planning a night hike, it’s best to reschedule.
The Bottom Line
San Diego is in for a rough and windy night, but don’t worry—the weekend will be nothing short of spectacular. Once the gusty conditions fade away early Saturday, expect comfortable temperatures, sunshine, and a return to classic San Diego weather.
