Scattered rain continues
Showers and thunderstorms will persist in the wake of a powerful Pacific weather system. Rain chances with this first storm will continue into Thanksgiving and perhaps even Friday. Another weather system will arrive this weekend with rain, wind, and slightly warmer temperatures.
*Winter Weather Advisory*
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory until 10AM Thursday above 2500 ft in the Santa Lucia Mountains and Los Padres National Forest in Monterey County.
Total snow accumulations 5 to 8 inches with locally higher amounts above 4000 ft. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches between 3000 ft and 4000 ft. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches between 2500 ft and 3000 ft.
Slick, snow-covered roads and hiking trails. Hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts with Thanksgiving week plans in Santa Lucia Mountains and Los Padres National Forest may encounter dangerous winter-like conditions above the snow level. Heavier snow showers could produce limited visibilities.
*High Surf Advisory*
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory until 3PM Wednesday for the immediate coastline of Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties.
-Northwest swells 12 to 15 feet at 15 to 16 second periods.
-Large breaking waves along the coast will lead to increased wave run-up on beaches with waves topping and washing over large rocks and jetties. Use extra caution near the surf zone as these large waves will be capable of sweeping people into the frigid and turbulent ocean water. Coldwater shock may cause cardiac arrest, and it also can cause an involuntary gasp reflex causing drowning, even for a good swimmer. The surf zone will be dangerous due to strong currents and powerful breaking waves.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Some storms may have gusty winds, brief downpours, small hail, and/or lightning. Snow possible above 3,000ft. Highs in the upper 40s to low 50s.
Overnight: Showers continue with thunderstorms possible. Snow will also fall in the highest elevations. Expect coastal lows in the 30s to 40s on the coast with 30s inland.
Thanksgiving: Mostly cloudy early with isolated light showers. Then becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon with isolated showers possible. Small hail possible with showers. Cool, with highs in the upper 40s to low 50s.
Extended: By Friday, skies will remain partly cloudy and the air quite chilly. Can’t rule out an isolated shower on Friday, but it will likely be the best travel day over the next five. By the weekend, another weather system will slide into the west coast with gusty winds and rain. It will also have a warmer air mass, so expect highs to return to the upper 50s to low 60s.
The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for December 4th - 10th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and ABOVE normal precipitation.
El Niño/La Niña STATUS: Neutral
(Winter) Forecast: Neutral
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 44ºF HIGH: 62ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 38ºF HIGH: 64ºFWeather / Weather Authority
