Big Changes Coming?
Big changes are possible by the end of the week! However, until then, the weather pattern will remain quite static with a trough of low pressure anchored just offshore. Its influence will keep temperatures seasonable to slightly cool on Tuesday and low clouds on the coast. Starting mid-week, the big monsoonal high will begin to migrate back to the west. As it does so, it will likely begin to pull some moisture up from the south associated with what is now Hurricane Elida off Baja. While that storm will not have a direct impact on the Central Coast, some of its moisture will likely make it here. The most likely scenario is some high cloudcover and an uptick in humidity. The less likely threat would be rain chances, but that scenario is still evolving. One other thing of note: as the ridge builds to the west, temperatures will head up--and potentially up and up! Those with outdoor plans should stay tuned to the forecast this week.
Tuesday: Low clouds will pull back to the coast by late morning but will remain mostly flush with the shoreline throughout the day. Some pockets of clearing will be possible, but more clouds than sun can be expected. Expect coastal highs in the mid-60s to low 70s with upper-70s to around 102ºF inland. Breezy for inland valleys in the afternoon and early evening.
Overnight: Low clouds thicken up and become widespread overnight. Patchy fog and drizzle possible. Expect coastal lows in the 50s to low 60s with low to mid-50s for inland valleys and upper 50s to low 60s up in the hills.
Wednesday: Now with warmer temperatures and increased sunshine! After thick morning low clouds, expect mostly sunny skies and only a few low clouds on the coast. Warmer, with coastal highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s and 80s to around 103ºF inland. Breezy for inland valleys in the afternoon and early evening.
Extended: Temperatures will slowly warm into the weekend. We’ll see a few low clouds at the coast, but not thick “Fogust” days. High clouds will begin to stream in on Thursday and may be a more regular fixture in the sky through the weekend. It’s still a bit far out to narrow down any rain chances.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 54ºF
HIGH: 70ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 52ºF
HIGH: 86ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for August 18th – 24th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. Note: Little to no precipitation typically falls this time of year.
-El Niño/La Niña STATUS: Neutral
-Forecast into Winter: La Niña Watch
-Area drought status: Moderate drought for much of Santa Cruz & Santa Clara Counties, Abnormally dry on the east shore of the bay into San Benito County. No drought classification for much of Monterey County outside of the Gabilan Range.
