Some rain chances into the weekend
The weather pattern will remain somewhat active this week—just active to our north. As a result, we’ll catch the tail ends of several weather systems and impacts will be minor. For the most part, a few sprinkles are most likely. A system will approach late Friday night into Saturday with more light rain possible. This will also bring some wind and cooler temperatures to the region beginning Saturday. Another system will slide by on Sunday for additional light rain before a brief break. A stronger system will be possible mid-week next week.
Thursday: Partly to mostly cloudy with a few sprinkles possible. Highs mainly in the low to mid 60s. Mid-Salinas Valley locations may approach 70ºF.
*High Surf Advisory*
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for the immediate coastline of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties from 3PM Thursday through 3AM Saturday.
-Northwest swells 12 to 14 feet at 17 to 18 second periods. Breakers of 16 to 22 feet possible.
- High tide will correspond with the peak of the swell Friday morning between 10AM and noon. Localized coastal flooding possible as a result of increased wave run-up.
-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. Cold water shock may cause cardiac arrest, and it also can cause an involuntary gasp reflex causing drowning, even for a good swimmer. Long periods increases the risk of rip currents. The surf zone will be dangerous due to strong currents and powerful breaking waves. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents, localized beach erosion, and sneaker waves.
Overnight: Mostly cloudy conditions, with a slight chance for sprinkles. Lows in the 50s on the coast and mid 40s to low 50s inland.
Friday: Partly cloudy to start with highs in the low to mid 60s—some light rain possible late.
Extended: Cooler, breezier weather on Saturday with a few sprinkles possible. Another system rolls in late Sunday with light rain possible. Cool early next week. Rain likely later in the week as well.
The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for December 19th – 25th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and ABOVE normal precipitation.
El Niño/La Niña STATUS: Neutral
(Winter) Forecast: Neutral
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 42ºF
HIGH: 60ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 36ºF
HIGH: 61ºF
