Showers, Surf, & Frost
Our active weather pattern continues as a deep trough digs in over the West Coast bringing cool, unsettled weather through Friday. Winds will turn gusty and much cooler air arrives for the weekend with temps crashing at night. High surf and king tides also arrive with dangerous conditions at the coast.
AIR QUALITY: Good to Moderate
**HIGH SURF ADVISORY**…for the immediate coastline of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties in effect from 7AM Thursday until 11AM Saturday.
*Large breaking waves of 12 to 15 ft with up to 18 ft along steep NW facing beaches.
* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches. Sudden immersion in cold water can result in cold water shock even for the most experienced swimmers. Cold water shock can result in dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, greatly increasing the risk of drowning in rough open waters.
*Northwest facing beaches are most at risk for large turbulent shore break and strong currents. Another round of high surf arrives Thursday, with similar impacts expected.
Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions.
Friday: AM fog, partly to mostly cloudy with slight chance of rain and gusty NW winds. Temperatures staying below average mainly in the 50s and 60s.
***GALE WARNING***
…for the near coastal waters from Pigeon Point to Point Pinos (outside of Monterey Bay) in effect from 3PM Friday until 9PM Friday.
*Northwest winds 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas 9 to 11 ft expected.
…and for the near coastal waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas in effect from 3PM Friday until 9PM Friday.
*Northwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas 9 to 11 ft expected.
*Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions.
***FREEZE WARNING***
…for the southern valleys and higher terrain of Monterey & San Benito Counties in effect from 12AM Saturday until 8AM Saturday
*Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 expected.
*Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive populations such as unhoused individuals.
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.
Be sure to open sink cabinet doors and/or drip faucets. This may help reduce or prevent damage to uninsulated pipes and other plumbing.
**FROST ADVISORY**
…for the northern valleys and coastal mountains of Monterey County and the lower valleys of San Benito County in effect from 12AM Saturday until 8AM Saturday
*Temperatures as low as 32 will result in frost formation.
*Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered. Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive populations such as unhoused individuals. Cold Conditions can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
*Note: Any alerts from the National Weather Service in Monterey will be noted in italics above. Alerts may be edited for brevity or local clarification
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 46ºF
HIGH: 66ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 41ºF
HIGH: 69ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for November 22nd – 28th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and ABOVE normal precipitation.
- ENSO (El Niño/La Niña) STATUS: La Niña Watch
- ENSO Forecast: Transition to La Niña into the fall and persist through the winter months.
- Area drought status: Abnormally dry for areas around Monterey Bay northward. Drought-free elsewhere.
- Monterey Bay Sea Surface Temperature as of November 13th : 53.7ºF (avg of 7 buoys) [November Average: 56.6ºF]
