Plan On A Wet Weekend
The rain is here and expect soggy weather through early next week. Scattered showers will continue through Saturday so watch for ponding and minor roadway flooding, along with slick conditions. Southerly winds will continue and be gusty at times. Several rounds of showers will follow with a couple of weaker systems coming through early Sunday. A more potent system arrives late Sunday into Monday which could have heavier rain and that, of course, may be compounded by several days of rain prior. There looks to be some instability in the region during this time, meaning there is a slight chance for an isolated thunderstorm. The better chance will remain over the water. Stay weather aware, there is the potential of flooding Sunday into Monday. A lot could change with this series of systems, so make sure to stay tuned to the forecast.
AIR QUALITY: Good
***GALE WARNING***
… in effect 9am to 3am Saturday for Coastal Waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas California out to 10 nm.
*Southeast winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt expected.
*Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Overnight: Mostly cloudy, with rounds of rain. Lows will be mild in the 40s to low 50s. Southerly winds will continue to be gusty at times. Isolated cells could produce brief heavy downpours and stronger winds. Slight chance for a thunderstorm.
Rain returns Friday and will be sticking around for the next several days. Light showers are possible earlier in the day, especially for northern portions of the Central Coast (Santa Cruz County) and coastal mountains, before the main system arrives by mid to late afternoon. Be prepared for a messy evening commute, ponding and minor roadway flooding, along with slick conditions. Southerly winds will be gusty at times. Several rounds of showers will follow with a couple of weaker systems coming through Saturday/early Sunday. A more potent system arrives late Sunday into Monday which could have heavier rain and that, of course, may be compounded by several days of rain prior. There looks to be some instability in the region during this time, meaning there is a slight chance for an isolated thunderstorm. The better chance will remain over the water. Stay weather aware, there is the potential of flooding Sunday into Monday. A lot could change with this series of systems, so make sure to stay tuned to the forecast.
AIR QUALITY: Good
Friday: Mostly cloudy with a few light showers possible early. Southerly winds pick up throughout the day and will become gusty at times. Rain arrives for most areas starting this afternoon. Highs remain seasonable in the upper 50s to low 60s.
***GALE WARNING***
… in effect 9am to 9pm Friday for Coastal Waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas California out to 10 nm.
*Southeast winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt expected.
*Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Overnight: Mostly cloudy, with rounds of rain. Lows will be mild in the 40s to low 50s. Southerly winds will continue to be gusty at times. Isolated cells could produce brief heavy downpours and stronger winds.
Saturday: Staying cloudy with scattered rain showers throughout the day and evening. Gusty southerly winds. Indivdual cells could produce heavier rain and stronger winds. Highs stay mainly in the upper 50s to low 60s.
Sunday: Cloudy with scattered showers and south winds, breezy at times. Expect rain Sunday night with heavier showers at times and a chance of a thunderstorm. Highs in upper 50s to low 60s. Lows upper 40s to low 50s coastal.
Extended: Temperatures will stay seasonable. High pressure will slowly build back in, however, we could be clipped by a weak system mid-week which could bring the Central Coast light, beneficial rain. After that, the ridge does look to strengthen giving us a break from the wet weather by late next week.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 43ºF
HIGH: 60ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 38ºF
HIGH: 62ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for January 26th – February 1st calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and BELOW 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
