Most San Diegans woke up Monday to puddles or downpours, a welcome respite from the 40-plus day drought the region had experienced. The county's first significant rainstorm of the season brought totals Monday ranging from a quarter to half an inch near the coast to more than an inch in the mountain slopes, according to the National Weather Service.

Scattered rain showers fell across San Diego County over the weekend, bringing some slight respite during what the National Weather Service has referred to as the driest start to San Diego's water year.

On the heels of critical fire weather, fueled by gusty Santa Ana winds, those in San Diego County’s mountain areas will soon be under a Winter Storm Watch, according to the National Weather

Following weeks of critically bone-dry conditions, San Diego County could finally get a taste of rain over the weekend.

A critical fire threat will continue across County as Santa Ana winds and dry conditions persist through early Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service expects lows of 45 degrees on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights in San Diego. The Housing Commission and service providers decide whether to activate the inclement weather program each morning.

The National Weather Service office in San Diego is forecasting cooler temperatures and widespread rain continuing into the first part of the week.

The City of San Diego has increased its storm preparations in advance of rainy conditions through Monday. The National Weather Service forecasts the rain that began Saturday to continue through Monday afternoon, with the rainfall through the weekend expected to be half an inch or less.

Overnight, isolated lightning strikes were reported, primarily over coastal waters and nearby land areas, but thunderstorm chances were expected to decrease by Monday morning.

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are anticipated. "At 6:34 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong shower with weak rotation over Rubidoux, or near Riverside, moving northeast at 10 mph," states the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible."

Scattered showers are expected early this week for San Diego County, with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon into Monday morning for the coast, valleys and mountains. A winter weather advisory will remain in effect until at least 4 p.m. Monday, with chances of snowfall for county mountains, according to the National Weather Service.