First big storm of the season
Showers and thunderstorms will
persist in the wake of a powerful Pacific weather system. Rain chances with
this first storm will continue into Thanksgiving and perhaps even Friday.
Another weather system will arrive this weekend with rain, wind, and slightly
warmer temperatures.
*Wind Advisory*
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory until 4AM Wednesday for
the higher elevations of Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara
Counties.
Expect south to southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 45 to 50 mph
expected, isolated locations may see gusts up to 60 mph. Winds will shift out
of the west to northwest Tuesday night from north to south.
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down
and a few power outages may result.
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.
Secure outdoor objects.
*Winter Weather Advisory*
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory until 10AM
Thursday above 2500 ft in the Santa Lucia Mountains and Los Padres
National Forest in Monterey County.
Total snow accumulations 5 to 8 inches with locally higher amounts above 4000 ft. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches between 3000 ft and 4000 ft. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches between 2500 ft and 3000 ft.
Slick, snow-covered roads and hiking trails. Hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts with Thanksgiving week plans in Santa Lucia Mountains and Los Padres National Forest may encounter dangerous winter-like conditions above the snow level. Heavier snow showers could produce limited visibilities.
*High Surf Advisory*
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory until 3PM
Wednesday for the immediate coastline of Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties.
-Northwest swells 12 to 15 feet at 15 to 16 second periods.
-Large breaking waves along the coast will lead to increased wave run-up on
beaches with waves topping and washing over large rocks and jetties. Use extra
caution near the surf zone as these large waves will be capable of sweeping
people into the frigid and turbulent ocean water. Coldwater shock may cause
cardiac arrest, and it also can cause an involuntary gasp reflex causing
drowning, even for a good swimmer. The surf zone will be dangerous due to
strong currents and powerful breaking waves.
Overnight: Rounds of showers with embedded thunderstorms possible. Snow will also fall in the highest elevations. Expect coastal lows in the 40s with upper 30s to 40s inland.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with rounds of showers and
thunderstorms. Some storms may have gusty winds, brief downpours, small hail,
and/or lightning. Snow possible above 3,000ft. Highs in the upper 40s to low 50s.
Thanksgiving: Mostly cloudy early
with isolated light showers. Then becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon with
isolated showers possible. Small hail possible with showers. Cool, with highs
in the upper 40s to low 50s.
Extended: By Friday, skies will remain partly cloudy and the air
quite chilly. Can’t rule out an isolated shower on Friday, but it will likely
be the best travel day over the next five. By the weekend, another weather
system will slide into the west coast with gusty winds and rain. It will also
have a warmer air mass, so expect highs to return to the upper 50s to low 60s.
The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for December 4th - 10th
calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and
ABOVE normal precipitation.
El Niño/La Niña STATUS: Neutral
(Winter) Forecast: Neutral
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 44ºF HIGH: 62ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 38ºF HIGH: 64ºF
