Scattered Showers Today, Prepping for a Stronger System Tomorrow
A few passing showers possible across the area on Thursday afternoon in the moist west-northwesterly flow. A stronger system is currently developing out over the Pacific and will make a more direct impact on the Central Coast of California Friday afternoon. This one will come packed with gusty southerly winds—potentially damaging in some areas—and moderate to heavy rain. There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms. While the initial front will move through late in the day Friday, the parent low will lurk offshore on Saturday as it drifts southward and with both lob rounds of showers & thunderstorms our way and help generate additional storms over our area during the day Saturday. Showers will likely then linger in the area on Easter Sunday as the low sits off to our south.
AIR QUALITY: Good
Thursday: Partly cloudy with isolated showers possible through the day. Gusty northwesterly winds at times. Cool, with highs in the upper 50s to mid 60s.
Overnight: Damp, partly cloudy with increasing clouds to mostly cloudy by sunrise. Areas of patchy fog, mainly in the sheltered valleys. Light west-northwest winds, breezy at times.
Friday: Mostly cloudy with rain moving in from the west. Gusty southerly winds during the afternoon with some minor wind damage possible. Moderate to heavy rain for coastal areas especially in the afternoon hours, then tapering off late. Slight chance for a thunderstorm. Highs in the 50s to around 60ºF.
***GALE WARNING***
… for Pigeon Point to Point Pinos California out to 10 nm and Point Pinos to Point Piedras
Blancas California out to 10 nm in effect Friday from 9am to 9pm. For the Monterey Bay Friday 3pm to 9pm.
*South-southeast winds 15 to 35 kt with gusts up to 40-45 kt and seas 8 to 11 ft expected. For the Monterey Bay, southeast winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 35 kt expected.
*Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
**WIND ADVISORY**
… in effect Friday 11am to Saturday 5am for the Santa Cruz Mountains, Monterey Bay, Big Sur Coast, Santa Lucia Mountains, Mountains of San Benito and Interior Mountains of Monterey County.
*Southeast winds 15 to 30 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.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects
Extended: Showers and thunderstorms are likely on Saturday, though the sun may poke through at times. Showers (but no storms) will then linger into Easter Sunday before dry conditions return Monday. High pressure will build in sending temperatures back above normal by Tuesday and they’ll likely stay there through mid-week.
*Note: Any alerts from the National Weather Service in Monterey will be noted in italics above. Alerts may be edited for brevity or local clarification (in parenthesis).
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 46ºF
HIGH: 63ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 41ºF
HIGH: 68ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for April 4th – 10th calls for the likelihood of BELOW normal temperatures and ABOVE normal precipitation.
- ENSO (El Niño/La Niña) STATUS: El Niño Advisory, La Niña Watch
- ENSO Forecast: Transition from El Niño to neutral by Spring and then to La Niña by summer.
-Area drought status: Currently drought-free
