Central Coast Weather Forecast: Upcoming Dry Days Followed by Rain

The Central Coast will experience dry and chilly weather this weekend, with winds strengthening on Sunday. A transition to wet conditions is expected mid-week, with significant rainfall and strong winds anticipated. Following this system, dry weather is predicted to return for the following weekend.

This upcoming weekend will be characterized by mostly clear and dry conditions across the Central Coast, with chilly mornings and cool afternoons. High pressure from the Great Basin will establish Santa Lucia winds that will peak on Sunday, bringing winds of 19 to 32 mph and gusts reaching 40 mph. Mornings will see temperatures in the high 20s in inland valleys and mid-30s along the coast, with daytime highs reaching the low to mid-60s.

By Tuesday, coastal areas will experience a steep pressure gradient leading to strong to gale-force northwesterly winds, which could reach speeds of 25 to 38 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Morning temperatures are expected to remain cold, especially in inland valleys where they may drop below freezing. Daytime highs will only reach the 50s, necessitating warm clothing for outdoor activities.

Starting Wednesday, winds will diminish while mid-level clouds will increase, indicating the possibility of rain. An intense low-pressure system off the California coast is anticipated to drive a strong cold front through the Central Coast on Thursday, bringing gale-force southerly winds of 32 to 46 mph along with moderate to heavy rainfall. Rainfall totals may range from 1.5 to 3 inches, especially in the coastal mountains, with significant snowfall forecasted at lower elevations.

After the rainy period, dry conditions are expected to return by the following weekend, with models suggesting prolonged dry weather extending through at least February 23. Surf conditions will experience changes with a 4- to 6-foot swell forecasted over the weekend, and increased southerly winds generating 7- to 9-foot seas preceding the rain.

Current seawater temperatures are projected to remain between 54 and 56 degrees through Friday. The weather report also highlights notable historical weather events on this date, ranging from state records for low temperatures in 1933 to record-high temperatures in 2018, showcasing the area’s diverse weather patterns over the years.

The Central Coast weather report details the expected conditions for an upcoming weekend and the week that follows, highlighting temperature changes, wind conditions, and precipitation forecasts. It emphasizes the transition from dry to wet weather, indicating a strong cold front’s arrival mid-week, as well as the historical context of weather patterns in the region. Understanding these forecasts is critical for residents and visitors making plans or preparations for the week ahead.

In summary, the Central Coast is set to experience dry conditions over the weekend, followed by a significant shift to windy and wet weather mid-week, with anticipated rainfall totals of 1.5 to 3 inches. Temperatures will remain chilly, particularly in the evenings, and surf conditions will vary alongside atmospheric changes. Following this system, a return to dry weather is expected next weekend.

Original Source: santamariatimes.com