Pleasant, Summer-like Weather

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) - We’re in a fairly quiet summer pattern, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see a few ups and downs. A weak trough will pass by to our north to start the work week which should briefly deepen the marine layer and bring cooler air into inland valleys. Relatively dry northwest surface winds will limit marine layer clouds, however. High pressure surges back in from the south mid-week, compressing the marine layer and warming most areas, especially inland cities, and also making fog more likely in low areas.  
 
Air Quality: Good to Moderate 

***GALE WARNING*** 
…for the near coastal waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas in effect from 9PM Sunday until 3AM Tuesday. 
 
*Northwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt 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 hazardous conditions. 
 
Overnight: Low clouds slow to fill in but should at least mostly fill the bay and make it into nearby valleys. Patchy fog. Lows in the upper 40s to low 50s on the coast and 40s inland.  
 
Monday: A few low clouds linger on the coast during the afternoon, mainly on the south side of the bay. After a few high clouds depart, inland areas will be sunny. Slightly cooler, with coastal highs in the upper 50s to mid-70s—warmest on the north side of the bay—and mid-70s to mid-90s inland. Gusty northwesterly onshore and up valley winds late in the day.  
 
Tuesday: A few low clouds and patchy fog in the morning, then mostly sunny and slightly warmer with coastal highs in the low 60s to mid-70s—warmest on the north side of the bay—and mid-70s to upper 90s inland. Gusty northwesterly onshore and up valley winds late in the day.  
 
Extended: Temperatures peak on Wednesday with high pressure pushing in from the south. Coastal areas will remain in the 60s-70s, but inland areas will range from the 80s to low 100s. Temps cool quickly on Thursday as the next trough passes by. We’re likely to see the return of thicker coastal clouds, though maybe only briefly. A trough digs deeper into the weekend which should allow for deeper marine layer mixing and less cloudcover. Coastal temps will remain warm while inland areas cool down. ------------------------------------------------------------------------   
This week's normal temperatures: 
--COASTAL CITIES--  
LOW: 52ºF      
HIGH: 68ºF 
 
--INLAND CITIES--       
LOW: 50ºF       
HIGH: 82ºF      
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The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for June 23^rd – 29^th calls for the likelihood of near temperatures and near normal precipitation, though little to no precipitation usually falls this time of year. 
 
- ENSO (El Niño/La Niña) STATUS: Neutral 
- ENSO Forecast: Neutral conditions persist through summer & possibly into next winter. 
 
-Area drought status: Abnormally dry for portions of southern San Benito and southeastern Monterey Counties. Drought-free for the remainder of the KION coverage area. 
 
-Monterey Bay Sea Surface Temperature as of June 16^th : 57.3ºF (avg. of 7 buoys) [Historic June Avg. SST: 56.7ºF]