Friday Night Storm
The next storm system will make its approach on the Central Coast Friday. Ahead of it, moist southerly flow will likely keep the coastal mountains moist overnight into Friday. The storm’s actual front will arrive on Friday evening with the strongest winds and periods of rain. Showers and perhaps an isolated thunderstorm will linger behind the system on Saturday with dryer weather expected out of the weekend. Another weather system will approach mid-week next week, but at the moment it doesn’t look to have too much of an impact on our area.
Friday: Mostly cloudy with increasing southerly winds. Drizzle to light rain in the mountains at times during the day, but widespread rain will hold off until the evening with the cold front arrives. Expect highs in the upper 50s to mid 60s. Along the front, expect periods of moderate to heavy rain with gusty winds.
*Wind Advisory*
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and Clara Counties from 10AM Friday through 7AM Saturday.
Expect southerly winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Downed trees and downed powers lines may lead to travel hazard or power outages.
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
***GALE WARNING***
For the near coastal waters of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties (outside of the bay) from 3PM Friday through 3AM Saturday.
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.
Overnight: The cold front will continue to sweep through the Central Coast overnight. We will see moderate rainfall for many, with heavy downpours at times. Thunderstorm chances and gusty winds will also be present. Lows will be mild overnight with 50s for most locations.
Saturday: Partly cloudy with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 50s to mid 60s. Gusty southerly winds at times.
Extended: A few showers may linger into Sunday, but then dryer weather is expected into early next week.
The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for December 13th - 19th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and BELOW normal precipitation.
El Niño/La Niña STATUS: Neutral
(Winter) Forecast: Neutral
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 43ºF
HIGH: 61ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 37ºF
HIGH: 62ºF
