Stormy Night
WEATHER STORY
The first strong storm system of 2022 arrived overnight on the Central Coast, bringing wind & rain to the region. The cold core of the system will pass by to our south on Monday. It will be close enough however, for showers and thunderstorms to develop in our area. Cool and breezy (sometimes windy) conditions will continue through mid-week before a slight warm-up this coming weekend.
Air Quality: GOOD
***GALE WARNING***
… for the near coastal waters of Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties excluding Monterey Bay in effect until 3AM Monday
-South winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40t along with 7 to 11ft seas at 16sec.
-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.
**WIND ADVISORY**
… for the higher terrain of the entire viewing area as well as the coast of Monterey County in effect until 5AM Monday.
*South winds 20 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.
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
*Flash Flood Watch*
… for the Colorado Fire and Dolan Fire burn scars along the Big Sur Coast. Extended until Monday at 8PM.
An incoming storm will bring moderate to heavy rain to the Big Sur coastline Sunday evening into Monday. This storm may cause impacts in and near the Colorado Fire and Dolan Fire burn scars. During heavier rainfall, rain rates could reach criteria for debris flows. Storm total amounts may peak around 1.5 inches for the Colorado burn scar and around 3 inches within the Dolan burn scar.
Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible tonight with the frontal passage and on Monday due to the potential for thunderstorms.
*Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding, and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris.
* National Weather Service Meteorologists are forecasting heavy rainfall tonight and the possibility of thunderstorms on Monday over the Colorado Fire and Dolan Fire burn scars. Heavy downpours may lead to flash flooding and debris flows in these areas
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Overnight: A band of moderate to briefly heavy rain will pass from west to east across the viewing area overnight, slowly tapering off toward dawn. Winds will be gustiest with the initial onset of rain then taper off as well. Lows in the 40s.
Monday: After an initial tranquil start, showers and perhaps a few isolated thunderstorms will develop as the cold core of the system moves by to our self. Showers will be more numerous south of Monterey Bay. Thunderstorms are most likely in the south and also in eastern San Benito County into the Central Valley. Some may have small hail. Cooler and breezy at times with highs in the 50s to low 60s.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy, cool and breezy with highs in the 50s-60s.
Extended: Blustery onshore flow will continue for the next few days with a few low clouds in the forecast for the coast. Coastal areas will remain cool with highs in the 50s-60s while inland areas will slowly warm back into the upper 60s and 70s by Thursday. There are some indications a week weather system will pass by Sunday, but right now it’s not looking too exciting.
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This week's normal temperatures:
--COASTAL CITIES--
LOW: 45ºF
HIGH: 64ºF
--INLAND CITIES--
LOW: 42ºF
HIGH: 69ºF
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-The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center for April 4th - 10th calls for the likelihood of ABOVE normal temperatures and BELOW normal precipitation.
- El Niño/La Niña STATUS: La Niña Advisory
- Forecast into Summer: Weak La Niña
-Area drought status: “Severe Drought” for most of the viewing area with the far eastern fringes of Santa Benito and southeastern corner of Monterey County in “Extreme Drought.”
