Feeling Hot
SALINAS, Calif. (KION) – Record high temperatures are possible as we enter the work week. A strong ridge of high pressure will settle in over the region Monday, sending temperatures up to 15-20ºF above normal and threatening daily records. The heat will continue on Tuesday, though a southerly surge may bring cooler, cloudier weather to the immediate coast especially later in the day. We’ll then transition into a cooler, more unsettled weather pattern into next weekend.
Air Quality: Good
*Beach Hazards Statement*
…for all beaches and the immediate coast in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties in effect until 11PM Tuesday.
*A moderate period northwesterly swell will result in an increased risk for sneaker waves and rip currents.
*Sneaker waves can unexpectedly run significantly farther up the beach than normal, including over rocks and jetties. These waves can suddenly knock people off their feet and quickly pull them into the cold ocean waters, where currents will be stronger than normal. These waves can also carry driftwood logs and other debris.
Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.
Never turn your back on the ocean!
Monday: Mostly sunny and very warm with light offshore winds early in the day. Highs in the 70s and 80s. A weak sea breeze will develop on the south/east sides of the bay in the afternoon.
Overnight: Mostly clear, with some hazy conditions by morning. Lows will be warm, mainly in the 50s, few 40s for sheltered interior locations and low 60s for higher elevations.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny and perhaps slightly warmer yet, though the sea breeze will kick in earlier and stronger, though more focused on the north/east sides of the bay. Highs in the 70s-80s. A few cumulus over the hills in the afternoon.
Extended: Deeper onshore flow ensues on Wednesday as we enter a more progressive weather pattern. Some coastal drizzle may be possible and could be enhanced by a weak system passing to our north overnight into Thursday. In fact, a few showers can’t be ruled out. We’ll remain in cooler, onshore flow through the end of the week with partly cloudy skies and a non-zero shower chance. By Sunday, there is potential for a stronger system with an atmospheric river component.
*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.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 45ºF
HIGH: 63ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 41ºF
HIGH: 68ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for March 31st – April 6th calls for the likelihood of BELOW normal temperatures and ABOVE normal precipitation.
- ENSO (El Niño/La Niña) STATUS: La Niña Advisory
- ENSO Forecast: Neutral conditions expected by April and then to persist into summer.
- Area drought status: Moderate drought for far southeastern Monterey County. Abnormally dry for southeastern Monterey County and eastern San Benito County. Drought-free for the remainder of the KION coverage area.
Monterey Bay Sea Surface Temperature as of March 24th: 53.1ºF (only 1 buoy reporting)
[Historic March Avg. SST: 55.3ºF]
