Eyes On Tuesday’s Storm
Here’s a look at your forecast for Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and southern Santa Clara Counties!
We’ve switched to cooler northwest flow which will last through Monday. A strong storm system will then arrive on Tuesday with gusty winds and heavy rain. At this time, major flooding is not forecast, but minor issues are likely. There is an outside chance of a potentially damaging wind event which may cause widespread power outages, blocked roads, and property damage. Conditions will level off on Wednesday with a few lingering showers and gusts before more tranquil weather for the rest of the week. Temperatures will be chilly, however. One weather system will pass by late in the week, but rain chances are up in the air.
AIR QUALITY: Good
Overnight: Mostly cloudy with occasional drizzle. An isolated, brief shower is also possible. Lows in the 40s with a few inland valleys reaching the upper 30s.
Monday: Partly cloudy with a few sprinkles. Cooler and breezy with highs in the 50s.
Tuesday: Wind & rain return with gusty, damaging winds possible and heavy rain at times. Highs in the 50s.
**WIND ADVISORY**
… for Monterey & San Benito Counties and also the Santa Cruz Mountains in effect from 9AM Tuesday until 9PM Tuesday.
South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph in the lower elevations. Gusts up to 50 mph for higher elevations.
*Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Saturated soils can make it easier for trees to fall.
*Strongest winds expected for the southern portion of the Salinas Valley as well as higher elevations of the Santa Lucia Range and the mountains of San Benito County. Big Sur Coast including Highway 1 could see strong winds as well with gusts up to 40 mph.
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Extended: Showers linger Wednesday as a cold weather pattern looks to follow for the rest of next week with highs remaining in the 50s through the end of the week. Some warming expected by the weekend, but mornings will be cold.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 45ºF
HIGH: 64ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 42ºF
HIGH: 68ºF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for March 27th – April 2nd calls for the likelihood of BELOW normal temperatures and ABOVE normal precipitation.
- El Niño/La Niña STATUS: Neutral
- Forecast: Neutral through the summer with eventual development of El Niño
-Area drought status: Currently drought-free.
