Unsettled, To Say The Least
Unsettled weather will continue for the next few days. A strong cold front moved through today with gusty winds, heavy rain, and embedded thunderstorms with small hail. Showers and isolated storms will follow overnight with additional rounds of showers for the next few days. Snow levels will remain between 2,000-3,000ft which will keep roads slippery in the higher elevations. Expect warmer, dryer weather toward the end of the week.
AIR QUALITY: Good
**WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY**
… for areas above 3,000ft in elevation in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Clara Counties until 4PM Tuesday.
The chance for snow showers is expected to arrive early Monday morning with steadier snowfall Monday afternoon and evening. Total snow accumulations 5 to 10 inches for elevations above 3000 ft locally over 1 foot above 4000 ft through Tuesday. A wintry mix down to 2500 feet is possible with a coating to 3 inches of snow. Wind gusts 40 to 50 mph Monday afternoon will lead to blowing snow and reduced visibilities.
Slick, snow-covered roads and hiking trails. Hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts may encounter dangerous winter- like conditions above the snow level. Heavier snow showers could produce limited visibilities. Downed trees and power outages possible.
Overnight: Partly cloudy with scattered showers. Showers may have brief downpours, gusty winds, and small hail. Snow levels hover between 2,500ft and 3,000ft but could dip lower with stronger showers. Lows in the upper 30s to mid 40s for most areas.
Tuesday: Widespread showers early with gusty winds and small hail possible. Then, rounds of showers throughout the day. Snow levels between 2,500ft-3,000ft. Gusty westerly winds at times. Highs in the upper 40s to mid 50s.
***GALE WARNING***
…from Pigeon Point to Point Pinos California out to 10 nm and Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas California out to 10 nm, and the Monterey Bay.
*In effect from 9pm Tuesday to 9am Wednesday.
*Northwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas 9 to 11 ft expected.
*Monterey Bay: Northwest winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas 8 to 10 ft expected
*Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
Wednesday: A few showers linger Wednesday morning, then expect partial clearing. Cool with gusty northwest winds at times. Highs in the upper 40s to mid 50s.
Extended: With skies clearing, expect a COLD morning on Thursday with frosty conditions to the coast. Temperatures will warm slightly Friday but will remain below normal for this time of year. The next weather system arrives this weekend with increasing clouds Saturday and a chance of rain Sunday/Monday.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 45ºF
HIGH: 63ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 41ºF
HIGH: 65ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for March 7th – 13th calls for the likelihood of BELOW normal temperatures and ABOVE normal precipitation.
- El Niño/La Niña STATUS: La Niña Advisory
- Forecast: Transition to neutral with possible El Niño developing this summer
-Area drought status: Moderate Drought (D1) for the northern Santa Cruz Mountains, San Benito County, southeastern Monterey County and southern Santa Clara County Abnormally dry (D0) for the rest of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties.
