Mostly Sunny, Dry, But Cool on Thursday

Northwest winds will likely remain gusty at times as a stable, cool air mass settles in. We’ll have a seasonably cool day on Thursday before the next weak weather system arrives early Friday morning. This fast-mover will have some wind and only a splash of rain as it rushes by. Models are trending dryer. Another system will arrive Saturday afternoon/evening and while it will likely have better rain chances and another shot of wind, it doesn’t look all that troublesome and will be out of here by dawn Sunday.

AIR QUALITY: GOOD

Thursday: Becoming mostly sunny and slightly warmer, but remaining seasonably cool with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s.

Overnight: Clouds will increase through the evening ahead of a weak system which will bring drizzle, light isolated showers, and gusty northwesterly winds by early morning. Lows in the 40s inland, 40s to low 50s near the coast.

Friday: A mix of high and low clouds will linger in the morning. Areas of patchy fog are possible. Then, skies clear to mostly sunny with seasonably and breezy conditions for the remainder of the day. Highs in the upper 50s to low 60s.

From the National Weather Service in Monterey…
*BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT*
… in effect from Friday 6am to Friday 10am for the entire coast of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.

*Large breaking waves to 10 feet or greater expected.

* Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches. Sneaker waves can also move large objects such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

Extended: Another round of rain will arrive later in the day Saturday with occasionally gusty winds. Temps will be cool for the weekend, but dry weather returns Sunday afternoon. We’ll stay dry on Monday, but additional weak systems are possible mid-week. Long term models are trending wetter (and warmer) after January 14^th or so.

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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 42ºF
HIGH: 60ºF

--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 37ºF
HIGH: 61ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for January 11^th – 17^th calls for the likelihood of BELOW normal temperatures and ABOVE normal precipitation.

- ENSO (El Niño/La Niña) STATUS: El Niño Advisory
- ENSO Forecast: Strong to Very Strong El Niño expected this winter.
-Area drought status: Currently drought-free