Rain, Wind, and a Dusting of Snow to Kick-Start the Weekend
Unsettled weather will continue as we start the weekend.
A trailing disturbance will arrive late Friday into Saturday, generating more rain showers over the area which could last through Saturday afternoon. These showers may have brief heavy downpours, small hail, and evening lightning. Snow levels drop below mountaintops. Dry conditions return on Sunday with a slow warmup through next week.
Air Quality: GOOD
***GALE WARNING***
… in effect NOW until 9PM Saturday for the near coastal waters from Pigeon Point to Point Pinos (outside Monterey Bay)
… in effect NOW until 9PM Saturday for the near coastal waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blanas
Northwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas 11 to 16 feet at 11 seconds possible.
Strong winds can cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe wind and seas.
Saturday: Partly cloudy with scattered showers and an isolated threat for thunderstorms. Storms may have downpours, small hail, and lightning. Cool with gusty northwesterly winds. Highs in the 50s.
Overnight: Partly cloudy, however clouds will continue to push out of the area throughout the night. Chilly lows, upper 30s and low 40s around the coast, 30s inland.
Sunday: Any remaining clouds will gradually clear early in the morning, leaving the Central Coast with mostly sunny skies. Highs will be slightly warmer with 50s along the coast, upper 50s and low 60s inland. Breezy throughout the day.
Extended: Expect mostly sunny and dry conditions from Sunday through most of next week. Temperatures will slowly warm next week, but you can expect cold mornings even as highs return to or above normal by Tuesday.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 45ºF
HIGH: 63ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 41ºF
HIGH: 66ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for March 12th – 18th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE temperatures and BELOW normal precipitation.
- El Niño/La Niña STATUS: La Niña Advisory
- Forecast into Winter: Weak La Niña
-Area drought status: “Severe Drought” for most of the viewing area southern Monterey County now reduced to “Moderate Drought”
