California – Headlights glow through low clouds near the coast as patchy fog drifts across streets and freeways. The air feels cool and damp early, then quickly turns bright and mild. That familiar winter pattern settles into San Diego through Friday, shaping commutes and daily plans.
According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, clear skies dominate most afternoons, but patchy fog develops late nights and mornings, especially near the coast and inland valleys. Visibility may drop at times before midmorning, affecting drivers along I-5, I-8, and surface streets near the marine layer.
Daytime temperatures stay well above seasonal averages. Highs climb into the mid to upper 70s Wednesday and Thursday, then settle into the low to mid 70s Friday. Nights remain cool but comfortable, with lows in the lower to mid 50s. Winds stay light, allowing fog to linger longer in sheltered areas.
Thursday night into Friday morning brings the greatest fog potential. Some areas may see reduced visibility before 10 a.m., especially near coastal neighborhoods and lower elevations. Plan extra time for early travel, use low beams, and allow distance between vehicles until conditions improve.
By late morning each day, sunshine returns quickly. Beaches, parks, and outdoor activities benefit from calm, springlike afternoons. To be fair, it hardly feels like mid-January once the sun is up. Still, the contrast between cool mornings and warm afternoons makes layers the smart choice.
Looking ahead, similar conditions extend into the weekend, with patchy fog possible during the mornings and highs near the mid-70s. Longer-range outlooks for Jan. 19–23 suggest continued dry weather across Southern California, while colder air grips much of the central and eastern U.S.
Are you seeing fog where you live this morning, or did sunshine break through early?
Five-Day Outlook for San Diego, CA
• Today: Sunny after patchy fog. High near 76.
• Thursday: Sunny. High near 77.
• Friday: Patchy fog, then sunny. High near 74.
• Saturday: Patchy fog early, then sunny. High near 75.
• Sunday: Patchy fog, mostly sunny. High near 75.
