Nice Start To The Weekend (Wet Finish)
A late spring storm system will move in from the west this weekend. Conditions will remain pleasant on Saturday—even warm in some areas. Winds will switch to the south late Saturday and will strengthen into Sunday morning. Those winds will push moist air up into the coastal mountains causing clouds and then rain to develop. Rain is likely on and off throughout the day across Santa Cruz County and perhaps to a lesser extent for the coastal mountains of Monterey County, but because of rain shadowing, many inland valleys won’t see much. Rain along the front will taper off Sunday evening. However, the cold core of the system will pass by Monday, likely generating additional showers and perhaps thunderstorms across the region. After a cool start, temperatures will slowly warm next week.
Saturday: Periods of high clouds, but otherwise sunny. Low clouds increase late with some drizzle possible in the Santa Cruz Mountains after dark. Warm, with coastal highs in the mid 60s to upper 70s and mid 70s to mid 80s inland. Breezy for inland valleys in the afternoon.
Sunday: Rain develops across Santa Cruz County with other areas partly cloudy. Southerly winds get gusty at times on the Monterey Coast. Showers will be possible for all areas late in the day, though the majority of the rain will fall in the coastal mountains and on the Santa Cruz Coast. Cooler, with highs in the 60s for most areas and a few spots in the 70s in the south.
Extended: The cold core of the system passes by on Monday which will likely lead to showers and potentially thunderstorms. Temps will remain a bit chilly. High pressure then builds in with a drying, warming trend for the remainder of the week.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 49ºF
HIGH: 66ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 45ºF
HIGH: 77ºF
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The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for May 23rd-29th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and BELOW normal precipitation.
El Niño/La Niña STATUS: Neutral
Forecast into Summer: Neutral
Forecast into Winter: Trending toward La Niña
Area drought status: Good to Abnormally Dry
