A tropical Pacific moisture surge is set to drench San Diego County just as trick‑or‑treaters hit the streets.
Key points
- A Pineapple Express storm will arrive on Halloween night, bringing significant rain to San Diego County.
- Coastal areas may receive up to 0.8 inches of rain, with inland valleys potentially seeing an inch or more.
- The event could push October’s cumulative rainfall above two inches, well beyond the usual half‑inch average.
- Winds are expected to be light, though isolated thunderstorms with strong gusts are possible.
A fast‑moving Pineapple Express system is forecast to move ashore in San Diego County on Halloween night, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm should begin delivering measurable rain early Saturday night, coinciding with the height of trick‑or‑treating, and is expected to intensify around 1 a.m. Sunday before tapering off by mid‑morning.
Storm timeline
Forecasters project up to 0.8 inches of rain for coastal cities from San Diego south to the border, while inland valleys and foothills could see an inch or more.
Saturday evening temperatures are expected to stay in the low‑ to mid‑60s, with winds remaining comparatively light; however, there is an outside chance of isolated thunderstorms that could produce brief strong gusts.
Rainfall expectations
If the higher end of the forecast materializes, total October rainfall for San Diego could exceed two inches, far above the city’s typical half‑inch for the month.
Residents are advised to stay alert for sudden downpours and the possibility of isolated thunderstorm activity as the system moves inland.
Reader questions
When is the storm expected to start and peak?
The National Weather Service says rain will begin early Saturday night and the system will intensify around 1 a.m. Sunday before fading by mid‑morning.
How much rain is the forecast calling for?
Up to 0.8 inches of rain is expected along the coast, with inland valleys and foothills possibly receiving an inch or more.
Will there be severe weather such as strong winds or thunderstorms?
Winds are projected to be light, but there is an outside chance of isolated thunderstorms that could produce brief strong gusts.
Source: sandiegouniontribune.com
