Strong winds and high surf Wednesday
A rather moisture-starved front will arrive by midday Wednesday causing cooler temperatures and winds to pick up. While this front brings the very small possibility for rain it will bring a multitude of other impacts with it. A High Wind Warning and Wind Advisory are in effect for higher terrain and the South Central Coast until Thursday night as gusts could reach 70mph. A High Surf Advisory is in effect for most of the coast where waves could reach 15ft and rip currents will be hazardous. Such strong swells create the need for a Coastal Flood Advisory as low lying areas near the coast may experience moderate flooding concerns and could see rogue waves. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Northern Ventura County Mountains as 2-5 inches of snow could fall along with 80mph isolated gusts. This could cause whiteout conditions along Interstate 5 and near Tejon Pass, use cautions when traveling in higher terrain. Overnight temperatures will be cool but not as cool as the last few days.
The approaching system will dip down to the south and will allow strong upper level winds to mix to the surface meaning peak wind gusts will arrive Thursday morning. These winds will be similar to the strong wind event we saw last weekend. We have the slight chance for rain, but most data shows low lying areas staying dry while snow continues in the mountains. Temperatures will cool off a few more degrees and most of the area will see highs climb into the middle to upper 50s. Clouds will begin to decrease and the second half of the day should see more sunshine.
Friday into the weekend is our next weather pattern shift. The next front that will pass through bringing the possibility for rain. Models are all over the place with timing and amounts but it’s likely to be a minimal impacts storm. Expect increased cloud cover, cooler temperatures and some gusty winds. Monday and Tuesday of next week appear to be dry and slightly warmer.
