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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Although the forecasted rainy weather in the San Diego region set to start Friday night might damper people’s weekend plans, science shows it could actually improve your health.
San Diego is part of a subtropical climate zone that experiences varied weather year-round, from extreme heat in the summers to mild, wet winters.
Living on the coast also makes San Diegans more prone to marine inversions in which ground-level pollutants are trapped near the surface due to a reaction between warm, dense inland air and cooler temperatures near the ocean. This phenomenon causes marine layers to form an almost fog-like appearance that moves inland and toward the foothills.
A report by air quality company IQAir said when pollutants like PM2.5 stay stagnant during temperature inversions, the air quality is lowered and puts people’s health at risk.
However, fresh breezes and periods of heavy rainfall can greatly reduce air pollution concentrations, the report said.
The wetter weather could offer some reprieve for San Diegans, due to its impact on people’s health.
With a strong storm and atmospheric river expected Friday night through Monday, many parts of San Diego could expect to see some improved air quality levels. (See the forecasted numbers below)
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The air quality forecast for Friday, March 29, is for more favorable conditions. Air quality levels will be GOOD throughout the day. -
The air quality forecast for Saturday, March 30, is for little change in conditions. Air quality levels will be GOOD throughout the day. -
The air quality forecast for Sunday, March 31, is for little change in conditions. Air quality levels will be GOOD throughout the day.
The “Health of the Air” report published in January stated San Diego, Chula Vista, Carlsbad and Vista have higher air pollution levels than recommended by the American Thoracic Society. These areas were ranked in the following categories based on data from 2018 to 2020.
— No. 13 in U.S. for the highest number of adverse health impacts from fine particle pollution.
- 263 excess deaths from particle pollution
- 54 new cases of lung cancer
- 4,700 occurrences of various cardiovascular and respiratory morbidities from particle pollution
- 330,000 adversely impacted days
— No. 7 in U.S. for the highest number of health impacts from ozone pollution.
- 200 excess deaths from ozone pollution
- 14,200 occurrences of various cardiovascular and respiratory morbidities from ozone pollution
- 1 million adversely impacted days
— No. 8 in U.S. overall for the highest number of health impacts from total air pollution.
A study on the effects of rain and snow on the air quality index in China showed PM2.5 concentrations were significantly lower during rain events, saying this was likely due to the fact that the rain attracted PM2.5 out of the air and gravity caused the particles to settle on the ground.
Looking ahead, showers in the San Diego area this weekend may linger into Monday with warmer and drier weather expected come Tuesday and Wednesday, according to NWS.
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