Rounds of Showers Return This Afternoon
The next round of rain arrives on Wednesday. A disturbance to our north will help direct a stream of moisture into northern California and a developing frontal system will tap into some of it as it moves south toward us on Wednesday. We’ll see shower chances developing before noon and then lasting into the evening, with the most active period between 3-9PM. Showers will be light to moderate at best and wet roads will be the biggest hazard. Gusty northwest winds can also be expected at times. We’ll dry out by Thursday morning, settling in for a couple of cold mornings. Dry conditions are expected through Friday before the next system arrives Saturday… read more in the extended forecast below.
King Tides return Wednesday through Friday. We’ll have some bigger swells on Wednesday into Thursday morning which could increase the chance of coastal flooding, but waves will taper off info Friday. It’s something we’re watching.
AIR QUALITY: Good
Wednesday: Clouds increase early with a chance of showers around the bay starting at around 10AM. Expect scattered showers around the Monterey Bay Area through the afternoon into the evening—lasting a bit later in the south. Rain will mainly be light but will also be on and off into the evening before ending late. Gusty northwesterly winds at times. Chilly, with highs in the 50s.
From the National Weather Service in Monterey (in italics) …
***GALE WARNING***
…for the near coastal waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blanca from 3PM Wednesday until 9AM Thursday
*Northwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas 10 to 14 ft 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.
Overnight: Showers will continue through late evening, before ending just before midnight. Skies will gradually clear throughout the morning, becoming mostly clear. Cool lows expected with upper 20s to mid-30s inland, and upper 30s to low 40s near the coast. Patchy frost likely. Areas of patchy fog near dawn are possible. Northwest winds will continue to be gusty at times.
**FROST ADVISORY**
… in effect from 3am to 10am Thursday for all interior valleys and mountains of Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Santa Clara Counties.
*Temperatures as cold as 32 degrees and lower will result in frost formation.
* Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
Thursday: Mostly sunny but cool. Gusty northwesterly winds at times. Highs in the 50s.
Extended: Winds will die off late Thursday into Friday, which will likely mean for a frosty morning on Friday, especially for inland areas. Afternoon temperatures will warm slightly and then clouds increase into the weekend as we catch the very edge of a dying atmospheric river which will be impacting areas to our north. At best, we’re likely to see rain late Saturday into Sunday and it will be more likely the farther north you live in the viewing area. Still, I don’t think we’ll see much more than light precipitation. Slightly warmer weather is then expected next week.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 43ºF
HIGH: 60ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 37ºF
HIGH: 61ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for January 17th – 23rd calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and ABOVE normal precipitation.
- ENSO (El Niño/La Niña) STATUS: El Niño Advisory
- ENSO Forecast: Strong to Very Strong El Niño expected this winter.
-Area drought status: Currently drought-free
