Warming Slightly into the Weekend

Here’s a look at your forecast for Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and southern Santa Clara Counties!

Overall we'll see mostly dry, quiet weather through the weekend. Temperatures will bump back up into 60s for several locations on Saturday as a ridge of high-pressure nudges in. We'll be near normal highs, but still cool for this time of year. A weak disturbance in the northwesterly flow will bring a slight chance of rain overnight Saturday into Sunday. Don't expect much, just a sprinkle or two. Late Sunday into Monday, an upper-level trough will start to dig back into the area, bringing with it cooler temperatures and gusty winds. As far as rain, the system early next week won't be all that strong, so don't expect any major rainfall totals. Just a few light showers possible. But, we'll continue to track those conditions.

AIR QUALITY: Good

Saturday: Mostly sunny, though clouds will be on the increase by late afternoon. Temps warmer with highs in the mid 50s to low 60s. Overnight a weak cold front could bring a sprinkle or two to the region. Breezy.

Sunday: A mix of clouds and sunshine. Highs will drop back into the 50s with a few low 60s inland. Breezy, becoming gusty at times.

***GALE WARNING***
… for the near coastal waters of Monterey County outside of Monterey Bay in effect form 9PM Sunday until 3AM Monday.

-Northwest winds 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt 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 severe conditions.

Extended: Temperatures are expected to remain below average for the next several days. After Wednesday there's a chance that a drier and warmer weather pattern will settle in thanks to a bit of ridging. Though, that still remains a bit uncertain. Stay tuned.

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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 46ºF
HIGH: 64ºF

--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 42ºF
HIGH: 69ºF

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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for April 7^th – 13^th calls for the likelihood of near-normal temperatures and BELOW precipitation.

- El Niño/La Niña STATUS: Neutral
- Forecast: Neutral through the summer with eventual development of El Niño
-Area drought status: Currently drought-free.