Spring Winds

Dry conditions continue on Thursday and Friday as storm systems remain blocked to the north. Lows will be chilly and highs slightly cool, but there will be plentiful sunshine. The first in a series of storm systems arrives on Saturday bringing light rain favoring the northern half of our viewing area. The second, stronger system will be here on Sunday bringing widespread light to moderate rain, followed by showers and perhaps thunderstorms into Monday.

***GALE WARNING***
… for the near coastal waters of Monterey County outside of Monterey Bay through 3AM Thursday.

Northwest winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas 7 to 12 feet at 12 seconds.

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.

Overnight: Mostly clear with a few low clouds on the northern slopes of mountain ranges. Otherwise, clear and cool with lows in the low 40s on the coast and 30s inland. Breezy over the ridgetops.
 
Thursday: Mostly sunny and a touch cool. Highs in the upper 50s to around 70ºF. Gusty north-northwest winds in the afternoon.

Friday: Mostly sunny with increasing high clouds late. Slightly cool again with highs in the upper 50s to upper 60s. Gusty winds in the afternoon.

Extended: Rain returns on Saturday but should be mostly light and mainly in the north. Better rain chances come on Sunday with showers lingering into Monday. The Sunday event will likely be more widespread and longer-duration. However, it doesn’t look like we’ll see heavy rain at this time. Thunderstorms will be possible on Monday, which could include small hail. Warmer, dryer weather expected by mid-week.  

                                                                                                                                            
The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for April 9^th – 15^th 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: 46ºF
HIGH: 63ºF                                                                                                                       

--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 41ºF
HIGH: 70ºF