Dry weather to continue

Beach Hazards statement for immediate coastline

Expect dry weather through the end of the week, as high pressure strengthens along our coast. Several weak systems will pass by to the north but will only add some occasional clouds.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny after some areas of fog. Passing high clouds with a few clouds hugging the coastal mountains as well. Seasonable to slightly cool with highs in the 50s to low 60s. A bit breezy over the ridgetops early.

Tuesday night (New Years Eve): Mostly clear and cool late for those ringing in the new year outdoors. Overnight lows will remain in the mid and upper 30s in the valleys, with 40s elsewhere.

Wednesday (New Year’s Day): Partly cloudy and seasonable with highs in the upper 50s to mid 60s.

Extended: Mostly sunny and seasonable to slightly warm for the remainder of the week and into the weekend.

*Beach Hazards*
… for the immediate coast of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties from 1PM Tuesday through 9PM Wednesday due to increased sneaker wave risk, increased risk of rip currents, and large shore break.

A long period northwesterly swell will bring large breaking waves and an increased threat of sneaker waves and rip currents to area beaches.

Large breaking waves will generate hazardous conditions on area beaches. This threat will be maximized on steeply sloped beaches. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.

There is a chance that a high surf advisory will be issued for Tuesday night into Wednesday as the northwesterly swell builds.

A Beach Hazard Statement means the potentially dangerous conditions may exist on specific beaches. These hazards may include large shore break, strong rip currents, and possible sneaker waves. All of which could be life threatening.

An increased sneaker wave risk means that conditions are present to support a heightened risk of unsuspecting beach goers being swept into the sea by a wave. Rip currents are typically more frequent and stronger in the vicinity of jetties...inlets...and piers. Swimmers caught in a rip current should swim parallel to the coast to escape the rip current before trying to swim for
shore. Swimmers should avoid swimming in areas of large shore break and always swim near a lifeguard. Fisherman should avoid fishing from rocks or jetties. Be sure to always keep your eyes on the ocean.

The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for January 7th – 13th  calls for the likelihood of BELOW 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: 41ºF
HIGH: 59ºF

--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 35ºF
HIGH: 61ºF