Tracking More Rain
The finale in our weekend series of storm systems arrives tonight. In the meantime, expect a partly cloudy and mild Sunday. Southerly winds will pick up into the evening in advance of the system with rain arriving after 9PM for most areas—although showers will be possible throughout the day in the coastal mountains. Rain could be heavy at times as it moves through late this evening into Monday morning. Luckily, the system is moving fairly quickly which will limit accumulation. Still, the ground is fairly saturated after several days of rain, so this will lead to rapid rises of creeks & streams and a higher potential for street flooding. Area waterways are expected to remain below flood stage, however. Showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms will follow during the day Monday before dryer weather returns.
AIR QUALITY: Good
Sunday: Partly cloudy with a few showers over the coastal mountains. Mild with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s for most areas. Winds & clouds increasing late.
Overnight: Moderate rain beginning in the late evening and lasting into the early morning. Could be heavy at times. Gusty southerly winds at times, especially on the exposed coast. Breaking to showers before dawn.
…from the National Weather Service in Monterey (in italics)
***GALE WARNING***
…for the near coastal waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas in effect from 9PM Sunday until 3AM Monday
*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.
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.
**WIND ADVISORY**
… for the coast and coastal mountains of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties in effect from 10PM Sunday until 4AM Monday
*South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected.
*Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
*Wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible at ridge tops and high elevations. In lower elevations, gusts of 30 to 35 mph are expected. Take care to secure loose outdoor items that can easily be blown over such as furniture and decorations.
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Monday: Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Gusty northwest winds at times. Cooler, with highs in the 50s.
Extended: High pressure will slowly build back in Tuesday, however, we could be clipped by a weak system mid-week which could bring the Central Coast light, beneficial rain once again. 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 28th – February 4th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE 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
