SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - San Diego's first major storm system of the year, and season, is expected to arrive Monday.
Forecasted rainfall will hit the county as early as Monday afternoon, with the heaviest rains arriving Tuesday, according to 10News reporter Melissa Mecija. A chance of showers lingers into Wednesday as well.
While Thursday and Friday are expected to be dry, the splash of rain represents the season's first significant storm system for the drought-stricken region, according to the National Weather Service.
For December 2017, NWS data shows San Diego experienced an "extreme drought." The area is also "likely" to develop drought conditions this rain season ending March 31, 2018.
As far as how much rain for San Diego? It may not seem like a lot. But any amount helps. San Diego should expect:
- Coast, valleys, and inland empire: 0.75 - 1.5 inches of rain, (locally up to 2 inches near the foothills)
- Mountains: 1 - 3 inches of rain
- High deserts: 0.3 - 0.5 inches of rain
- Low deserts: 0.10 - 0.25 inches of rain
Swells of up to 11 feet are expected Tuesday through Thursday, with high surf and strong rip currents posing a threat at beaches.
RELATED: MAP: Where to get free sandbags in San Diego County ahead of next week's rains
"The season's first significant precipitation event is expected Monday and Tuesday as a Pacific storm system arrives from the northwest," according to NWS. "High pressure and dry weather will return for the remainder of next week."
Free sandbags are available for residents worried about flooding and/or mudslides around their home. San Diego County has made a list of locations available here.
