Wind And Rain

Rain chances will continue for the next few days as a Pacific storm system sits off to our west. The initial wave of rain & wind moved through late Wednesday with isolated showers persisting in the moist southerly flow into Thursday. There are some hints of a mid-level disturbance moving through late Thursday which could help generate showers and maybe a thunderstorm or two. The storm’s low pressure center will approach on Friday and send another wave of rain and wind our way. Closer to the low, there will be more instability and the chance of a few embedded thunderstorms. We’ll likely see a final round of precipitation as the low passes early Saturday.

AIR QUALITY: Good

***GALE WARNING***
…for the near coastal waters from from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas extended until 3AM Thursday

*Southeast winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas 8 to 13 ft expected.

* 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: Mostly cloudy with scattered showers. Southerly winds will remain gusty at times but will be lighter than Wednesday afternoon. Mild, with lows in the 40s-50s.

Thursday: Partly to mostly cloudy with isolated showers, perhaps becoming a bit more numerous later in the day with the slight chance of a thunderstorm. Southerly winds persist, but will not be too strong. Mild and seasonable with highs in the 60s to low 70s.

Friday: Partly cloudy early, then becoming mostly cloudy with areas of rain moving through in the afternoon. Embedded thunderstorms possible. Gusty southerly winds at times. Cooler, with highs in the upper 50s to 60s.

Extended: Final round(s) of showers expected early in the day on Saturday with precipitation tapering off into the evening. Then, high pressure builds in, encouraging offshore flow. Temperatures warm back up to above normal Monday/Tuesday with slight cooling by mid-week.

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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 46ºF
HIGH: 66ºF

--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 40ºF
HIGH: 68ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for November 23^rd – 29^th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and BELOW normal precipitation.

- ENSO (El Niño/La Niña) STATUS: El Niño Advisory
- ENSO Forecast: Strong to Very Strong El Niño expected this winter.
-Area drought status: Currently drought-free