News Summary
San Diego County is experiencing thunderstorms and heavy rain due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario. Rainfall totals have varied across the region, with Palomar Mountain receiving the most at 1.37 inches. Flood watches are in effect for mountainous and desert areas, although flash flooding risks remain low. As conditions shift, a high-pressure system may bring warmer temperatures into the weekend, but residents should remain alert for potential afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
San Diego County Faces Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain from Tropical Storm Mario
San Diego County experienced large thunderstorms on Thursday, primarily impacting areas from Palomar Mountain to Borrego Springs, due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario. The National Weather Service recorded dozens of lightning strikes in the region, indicative of the storm’s lingering effects.
By early Thursday morning, Palomar Mountain recorded the highest rainfall total at 1.37 inches. Other rainfall totals included: Fashion Valley at 0.58 inches, Miramar at 0.52 inches, Mount Laguna at 0.49 inches, Kearny Mesa at 0.45 inches, and San Diego International Airport at 0.45 inches. Additional locations reported varying levels of rainfall, with figures such as Miramar Lake at 0.38 inches, Valley Center at 0.37 inches, Escondido at 0.36 inches, and others receiving totals ranging from 0.24 to 0.35 inches.
As of Thursday morning, the rain had begun to move northward, leaving behind wet roads and high humidity. Flood watches were still in effect for mountainous and desert regions until 2 a.m. Friday due to the impact of the storm.
Impact and Future Weather Conditions
While Friday is expected to bring drier conditions, there remains a slight chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms, especially in mountainous areas. The forecast for Saturday indicates dry weather; however, another disturbance could potentially bring more rain on Sunday as additional tropical moisture approaches the region. The weekend conditions are expected to remain warm and humid.
Rain chances in the area significantly increased starting Wednesday due to Tropical Cyclone Mario transitioning into a post-tropical system. This weather shift led to a rapid transition from sunny skies to overcast conditions, along with an increase in rain chances throughout Wednesday and Thursday.
Flooding Risks and Weather Forecast
The storm produced light to moderate rainfall across the county, with minor street flooding possible. Fortunately, the overall risk for flash flooding was considered low. Despite the tumultuous weather, post-storm conditions may exhibit a tropical feel with sporadic thunderstorms and lingering humidity extending into the weekend.
A high-pressure system is projected to move in, resulting in warmer temperatures as the week progresses, marking the transition into fall.
Summary of Rainfall Totals
The various rainfall totals recorded throughout San Diego County are as follows:
- Palomar Mountain: 1.37 inches
- Fashion Valley: 0.58 inches
- Miramar: 0.52 inches
- Mount Laguna: 0.49 inches
- Kearny Mesa: 0.45 inches
- San Diego International Airport: 0.45 inches
- Miramar Lake: 0.38 inches
- Valley Center: 0.37 inches
- Escondido: 0.36 inches
- National City: 0.35 inches
- La Mesa: 0.35 inches
- Vista: 0.33 inches
- Poway: 0.24 inches
- Ramona: 0.22 inches
Residents are advised to stay alert as conditions evolve, keeping an eye on weather forecasts for any potential changes and further developments regarding the threat of rain and thunderstorms.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego: Today’s San Diego Forecast
- Wikipedia: Tropical Cyclone
- CBS 8: Tropical Storm Mario in San Diego
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Mario
- Fox 5 San Diego: Marine Weather Statement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- 10 News: San Diego’s Weather Forecast
- Google News: San Diego Weather

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SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.