Has winter come to an end?

It’ll feel like it this weekend. San Diego County hasn’t had significant rain in three weeks, and a brief hot spell will arrive on Friday and likely be followed by another one next week, the National Weather Service says.

While much of the nation is digging out from snow, San Diego’s daytime high will be 78 on Friday, 80 on Saturday and 73 on Sunday. The seasonal average is 67.

El Cajon will reach 83 on Friday, 84 on Saturday and 79 on Sunday. The seasonal high is 68.

Once again, a large high-pressure system is blocking storms from the Gulf of Alaska from sliding down the length of the West Coast.

There’s no heavy rain in the forecast through Feb. 9. “That’s not unusual during the winter,” said Adam Roser, a weather service forecaster. “Things could turn wet again.”

The surf will reach 3 to 5 feet at favored spots on Friday and 2 to 4 feet on Saturday and Sunday, producing strong rip currents.

A visit to the USS Midway Museum in downtown San Diego turned into a surprise honor on Thursday for 98-year-old World War II veteran Charles Araiza.

Araiza believed he was finally getting a chance to tour the historic aircraft carrier. Instead, the longtime San Diego resident became the guest of honor during a ceremony on the flight deck, surrounded by family, fellow veterans, and museum visitors.

“Biggest ski boat I’ve ever seen in my life,” Araiza said with a laugh.

The USS Midway drew crowds of schoolchildren and veterans sharing war stories, as well as Araiza’s family, who helped plan the surprise.

“My daughter keeps saying to me, ‘You’re going to be a celebrity,’” Araiza smiled.

Araiza served as a private in the U.S. Army during World War II, deploying to the Pacific Theater with the Army’s 11th Airborne Division. After the war, he helped rebuild Hiroshima following the atomic bombing on Aug. 6, 1945.

During Thursday’s ceremony, retired Navy Capt. Steve Gilmore presented Araiza with an Army of Occupation Medal — nearly 80 years after his service — along with a U.S. flag that had flown over the USS Midway.

“Incredible. I just don’t believe it’s happening,” Araiza said.

Reflecting on his service, Araiza focused on those who never made it home.

“The ones that really deserve the attention are still there,” he said.

After returning from the war, Araiza married and moved to San Diego, where he and his wife spent 52 years together and raised two children. He owned City Auto Tops, an auto upholstery business in City Heights, for more than three decades before selling it and later upholstering small airplanes into his 90s at Montgomery and Gillespie Fields.

Araiza also helped fix upholstery on actor Tom Cruise’s seat on the F-14 used in Top Gun: Maverick, which was filmed in part in San Diego.

Despite a life filled with work and service, Araiza said he never considered himself extraordinary.

“As far as my service, I was just another GI Joe,” he said. “You do what you have to do.”

Araiza is currently receiving care from Sharp HospiceCare. His transportation to the USS Midway Museum was provided by AMR San Diego through its Sentimental Journey program, which offers complimentary ambulance rides to terminally ill patients hoping to visit a meaningful place one last time.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.

Hundreds of volunteers and county staff will hit the streets Thursday morning for this year’s annual Point-in-Time Count, a one-day snapshot of the region’s homeless population.

Around 300 county employees volunteer for the pre-dawn count each year, but it takes more — around 1,700 — total volunteers to be effective in the count, which runs from 4-8 a.m.

“It’s so important that we come together as a region to take part in an effort, like Point-in-Time Count, that guides where we direct resources and how we advocate for funding to support our unhoused neighbors,” said County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre. “I remain committed to being a steadfast presence and partner in meeting the unique needs of our downtown neighborhoods and across the county of San Diego as we continue addressing the region’s homelessness crisis. Insights from this count will help guide these shared efforts.”

The annual Point-in-Time Count is coordinated by San Diego’s Regional Task Force on Homelessness and provides a one-day total of the number of people experiencing homelessness in San Diego County, including those in emergency shelters and safe parking lots.

“The Point-in-Time Count is a vital tool that helps us understand homelessness in our community and shape how we approach solutions,” said Dijana Beck, director of the County Office of Homeless Solutions. “Every volunteer plays a critical role in ensuring we have accurate data to secure resources and create programs that make a real difference. We encourage county residents to join us in this effort.”

Last year, the number of people experiencing homelessness in San Diego County dropped by 7%, and dropped by about 14% in the city of San Diego, according to the data. The volunteers found no fewer than 9,905 people experiencing homelessness throughout the county, down from 10,605 in 2024. Last year’s data showed 5,714 unsheltered San Diegans and 4,191 individuals in shelters and transitional housing.

“This annual event represents a perfect opportunity for members of the community to truly listen, see and connect with our neighbors in need,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of homelessness-focused nonprofit Father Joe’s Villages. “When we survey neighbors face to face, we can get a better understanding of their exact needs and connect them to life-changing resources and services that have the power to end homelessness for good.”

The RTFH organizes and trains the volunteers. Those who have signed up will go out in small groups to help conduct a brief survey and do a headcount of people they encounter living outside.

The information collected is used to apply for federal and state funding to help people experiencing homelessness.

Following the count, Serving Seniors will host the CARE Senior Resource Fair at its Serving Seniors Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center at 1525 4th Ave. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will pass out information about the resource fair during the PITC.

Older adults who attend the event can get legal help, health and dental care, access to resources including MediCal and Cal-Fresh, low-cost meals, street medicine and harm reduction.