Storm and 'tumultuous weather' en route in California as locals urged to prepare

Southern California is set to have a tumultuous week of weather, and residents should brace themselves for some possible storms.

The National Weather Service San Diego forecasts a closed low-pressure system with showers and possible thunderstorms across the region. Showers and thunderstorms are still predicted in the mountains today.

However, night and morning coastal low clouds will also make their presence known less deeply and less far into the valleys by the weekend.

What is the advice?

Surfers and beachgoers are advised by NWS to take special care due to heightened surf at south to southwest-facing beaches, with waves reaching 3 to 5 feet - even up to 6 feet.

The weather service has said that "any thunderstorm could produce gusty, erratic winds to 25 knots, lightning, and small hail," which could mean difficult flying conditions and seas. The advisory calls for the general public and marine operators to stay up to date with weather conditions and be prepared for any changes.

NWS San Diego said on social media, "Another closed low-pressure area will move through Southern California this week, bringing showers and isolated thunderstorms late Tuesday through late Wednesday."

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings will start with some clouds and fog, but as we get into the weekend, the temperatures should pick up, and things will start to get a lot drier.

This weather is not typical for this time of year in Southern California, but weather systems are becoming less predictable due to global warming.

How does a thunderstorm form?

A thunderstorm starts with warm moist air is forced upwards, forming what’s called a cumulus cloud. The warm air then meets very cold air in the middle levels of the atmosphere, and then the two air masses collide, creating thunder and lightning.

The storm eventually dies out when the warm moist air condenses as rain.

Unfortunately, as time goes on, Californians should expect more extreme weather events. These could include long, dry periods, heatwaves, and low precipitation followed by more severe storms and flooding, including storm surges.