Cooler, Then Breezier, Then Shower Chances
A deep trough of low pressure will
dig down the coast Saturday into Sunday. This system will be packed with cold
air and gusty winds. Strong onshore flow ahead of it will significantly cool
the region. Then, the cold front will move through Saturday night, with gusty
northerly winds and another shot of cold air. As the actual upper level system
passes by Sunday, it will keep the atmosphere unstable enough that a few
showers are likely. Those showers may have small hail or graupel (snow
pellets), along with brief wind gusts and lightning. Winds will eventually
shift to more offshore by Monday. That offshore flow will warm us quickly next
week, though Monday morning will be quite cold. There is some hope for additional
rainfall in the second week of March.
***GALE WARNING***
… for the near coastal waters of Monterey County from Point Pinos south to
Point Piedras Blancas from through 3AM Sunday.
Expect northwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas 7 to 12 feet
at 18 seconds
expected. For the Small Craft Advisory, northwest winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts
up to 25 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 severe
conditions.
Rest of Saturday: Scattered high clouds with a
few low clouds near the coast. Increasing northwesterly winds. Much cooler,
with coastal highs in the mid 50s to low 60s and mainly 60s inland. Low clouds
will be on the increase late with a few sprinkles possible.
Sunday: Partly cloudy, cool, and
breezy with a chance for afternoon showers. Showers could contain small hail
and/or graupel. Even a rumble of thunder is possible. Highs in the 50s to low
60s. Gusty north-northwesterly winds at times.
*Wind
Advisory*
… for the Diablo Range in Santa Clara County from 10AM Sunday until 9AM Monday.
….for the Santa Cruz Mountains from 4PM Sunday until 9AM Monday
North winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected.
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down
and a few power outages may result. Fuels are at record dry levels. Use extreme
caution with ignition sources and any outdoor burning.
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.
Secure outdoor objects.
Extended: We’ll awake to very chilly temperatures on Monday morning
with frost likely for inland valleys and patchy frost approaching the coast.
Highs will actually be above normal, however, with most areas in the 60s. The
rest of next week will be seasonable with highs mainly in the 60s under mostly
sunny skies.
The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for March 7th-13th calls
for the likelihood of BELOW normal temperatures and ABOVE
normal precipitation.
El Niño/La Niña STATUS: Neutral
Forecast into Summer: Neutral
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 45ºF
HIGH: 62ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 40ºF
HIGH: 65ºF
