Series Of Storms, Massive Waves
We’ll get clipped by the next weather system overnight with any rainfall focused in the north. There is also a very slight chance of a thunderstorm in Santa Cruz County. A stronger system will then come in on Tuesday with wind & rain. More on that in the extended section below. In the meantime, major swells (waves!) will be impacting our coastline for the next couple of days. It will be dangerous near the ocean with huge breakers, beach erosion, and coastal flooding. Stay out of the water.
AIR QUALITY: Good to Moderate
***HIGH SURF WARNING***
… for the entire immediate coastline of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, including the Monterey Bay from 4pm Sunday until 12pm on Tuesday
*Dangerously large breaking waves of 30 to 35 feet, including breakers up to 40 feet at favored spots such as Mavericks.
*Life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions and significant beach erosion can be expected. 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.
Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure.
***COASTAL FLOOD WARNING***
…for the entire immediate coastline of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties including the Monterey Bay in effect from 4pm Sunday until 12pm
*Significant coastal flooding expected.
*Life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions and significant shoreline erosion can be expected. Numerous roads may be closed, and some critical infrastructure will be inundated. 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.
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure.
Overnight: Partly to mostly cloudy with a few showers in the north. Mild, with lows in the 40s-50s.
Monday: Mostly cloudy on the coast and partly cloudy inland with an isolated, light shower possible. Otherwise, slightly warm and muggy with highs in the upper 50s to upper 60s.
Extended: Stormy weather returns early Tuesday as a relatively strong cold front moved through the area. Moderate rain and gusty winds are likely. Some minor wind damage will be possible. There will also be a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cooler weather will follow with partial clearing late in the day. Dry weather then continues into Christmas Day and early Thursday. Rain chances return late Thursday into Friday.
*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: 41ºF
HIGH: 59ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 36ºF
HIGH: 60ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for December 30th – January 5th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and BELOW 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 San Benito County, northeastern Monterey County and eastern Santa Clara County. Drought-free elsewhere
- Monterey Bay Sea Surface Temperature as of December 21st : 55.1ºF (avg of 7 buoys) [December Average: 55.0ºF]
