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Severe Thunderstorms Hit San Diego County: Marble-Sized Hail, Lightning Strikes Reported
By Dale Kessler, Weather & Climate Reporter — Friday, August 7, 2026
Photo: Elijah Cobb / Pexels

A round of severe thunderstorms is hammering San Diego County right now, bringing marble-sized hail and lightning to the mountains and desert regions. If you're seeing wild skies outside, you're not alone — scary videos are already circulating online, and "weather San Diego" is spiking in searches as locals try to figure out what's going on.

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According to early reports, the storms are currently focused on the mountain and desert areas of the county. Hail the size of marbles has been reported in those zones, and lightning is putting on enough of a show that some residents are calling it "kinda cool" — though conditions can change fast, so don't let the spectacle fool you into dropping your guard.

This is a developing situation and details may change as the storms move through the region.

What to Expect Next

Downtown San Diego.
Downtown San Diego.Photo: sandiegouniontribune.com

The rough weather isn't the end of it. More heat and rising humidity are in the forecast for San Diego County in the coming days, according to 10News. That combination can keep storm chances elevated, so residents should stay tuned to local alerts even after today's cells pass through.

Where It's Hitting Hardest

The brunt of the storms right now is in the San Diego County mountains and desert communities. If you're out in those areas — think the backcountry, Julian, Borrego Springs or anywhere east of the coastal plain — conditions are active. Flash flooding is always a concern when thunderstorms roll through desert terrain, so watch for any local warnings or road closures.

Stay Safe

Get inside if you're out in an affected area. Marble-sized hail can damage vehicles and injure people caught outdoors, and lightning is dangerous regardless of how good the photos look. Check the National Weather Service San Diego office for the latest watches, warnings, and advisories as this storm system develops.

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