Cold Night Ahead
A cold air mass settles in today, so despite sunshine on Sunday, highs are expected to be well below normal. And then, we settle in for a long, cold, winter night with freezing temperatures likely for inland valleys and frost likely for many other areas, even approaching the coast. Now’s the time to protect sensitive plants. Expect another cool day on Monday before the weather pattern becomes more active again. We’ll see light rain chances Tuesday through Thursday and perhaps a stronger system next weekend
AIR QUALITY: GOOD
From the National Weather Service in Monterey (in italics) …
***GALE WARNING***
… for the near coastal waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas in effect until 3PM this afternoon
*Northwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas 11 to 16 ft.
*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.
Sunday: Dry and sunny but still cool. Highs in the 50s. Occasionally gusty northwesterly onshore winds
From the National Weather Service in Monterey (in italics) …
***FREEZE WARNING…
…for the higher elevations and southern valleys of Monterey & San Benito County in effect from midnight Sunday until 10AM Monday
*Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 expected.
*Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
*Far interior locations of Monterey and San Benito counties will see a few spots reach the mid 20s Sunday night into Monday morning.
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.
**FROST ADVISORY**
…for Santa Cruz County and the Santa Cruz Mountains into Santa Clara County in effect from midnight tonight until 10AM Monday.
*Temperatures as low as 36 will result in frost formation.
…for the lower Salinas Valley, 68 corridor, Carmel Valley, and the lower valleys of San Benito County in effect from midnight Sunday until 10AM Monday
*Temperatures as low as 31 will result in frost formation.
…for the Santa Clara Valley and the Diablos in Santa Clara County from midnight tonight until 10AM Monday
*Temperatures as low as 29 will result in frost formation.
*Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered.
*Coldest temperatures will be across interior and southern portions of Santa Clara county and not San Jose city proper.
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
Monday: Coldest morning with Freeze Warning in place until late morning. Sunny and still cool. Highs in the upper 40s to low to mid 50s.
Extended: Slightly warmer by Tuesday with sunshine and clouds. Clouds on the increase for Wednesday as rain chances arrive late in the day. Expect a chilly weather pattern for us much of next week, but occasional weather systems will slide by giving us rain chances mid to late next week.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 42ºF
HIGH: 60ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 37ºF
HIGH: 61ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for January 12th – 18th calls for the likelihood of BELOW normal temperatures and ABOVE 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
