A stormy December Weekend
Widespread rain and localized gusty winds expected on Saturday. Rain could be heavy at times in the coastal mountains. Additional rounds of showers and even thunderstorms possible into Sunday with showers lingering all the way into Monday. Temperatures remain cool through the end of the week.
AIR QUALITY: Good
**WIND ADVISORY**
… in effect from 2AM Saturday until 3PM Saturday for Santa Cruz & (Southern) Santa Clara Counties.
*For Valley areas: South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts 30 to 40 mph expected. For Ridges and Hilltops: South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts 35 to 45 mph, up to 55 mph expected.
*Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
*These winds are associated with a strong frontal boundary that will produce heavy rain on Saturday. Strongest winds are expected along the immediate San Mateo Coastline, the Santa Cruz Mountains and the interior East Bay and Santa Clara ranges.
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
**WIND ADVISORY**
… in effect from 7AM Saturday until 6PM Saturday for Monterey & San Benito Counties
*For Valley areas: South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts 25 to 35 mph, slight chance up to 40 mph expected. For Ridges and Hilltops: South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts 35 to 45 mph, up to 50 mph expected.
*Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
*These winds are associated with a strong frontal boundary that will produce heavy rain on Saturday. Strongest winds are expected along the immediate Big Sur Coastline and the Gabilan Range.
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Saturday: Southerly winds and rain increase through the morning. The strongest winds and heaviest rain are likely along a cold front which should reach the Monterey Bay area by early afternoon. Then, breezy, mostly cloudy with on and off rain for the rest of the day. Highs in the 50s to around 60ºF.
*FLASH FLOOD WATCH*
… for the Dolan, Colorado, and River Burn Areas in Monterey County in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening.
*Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible over the Dolan, Colorado and River burn areas.
*A portion of central California, including the following areas, Santa Lucia Mountains and Los Padres National Forest and Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast.
*Heavy rainfall over the Dolan, Colorado and River burn area is expected with 3 to 6 inches up to and during the period of the watch. Rain rates of up to 1 inch per hour will be possible from late Saturday morning through Saturday evening. Residents near the burn areas should prepare for potential flooding impacts. Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding, and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars.
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
***GALE WARNING***
… in effect from 9AM Saturday through 3PM Saturday afternoon.
-For the coastal waters from Pigeon Point to Point Pinos California out to 10 nm. South winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt.
-For the coastal Waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas California out to 10 nm south winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt.
…in effect from Saturday 9AM through Saturday 3PM.
-For the Monterey Bay. South winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt.
* IMPACTS...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.
Extended: Showers & thunderstorms linger Sunday with a few showers also possible on Monday. High in the 50s. Then, clearing for the remainder of the week with cold nights and cool days.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 43ºF
HIGH: 61ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 37ºF
HIGH: 62ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for December 16th – 22nd calls for the likelihood of BELOW normal temperatures and ABOVE normal precipitation.
- El Niño/La Niña STATUS: La Niña Advisory
- Forecast: Weak La Niña into the Winter
-Area drought status: “Severe Drought” for most of the viewing area with “Extreme Drought” in southern San Benito and southeastern Monterey Counties. The southeastern third of San Benito County has been upgraded to “Exceptional Drought”
