Weather Update: Rain and Mild Temperatures Projected Through Thanksgiving
A series of storms is set to bring rain and mild temperatures to the Central Coast leading up to Thanksgiving Day. Rainfall totals are anticipated to range from 1.5 to 3.0 inches, with strong winds expected Monday through Tuesday, and additional rain on Thanksgiving. After the storms, clearer and warmer weather is predicted for the weekend.
A significant cold front has swept through the Central Coast, delivering approximately half an inch of rain in the Santa Maria region and forecasting intermittent showers leading up to Thanksgiving Day, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As of Monday morning, various locations across Santa Barbara County recorded varying precipitation totals: 0.39 inches at Los Alamos Fire Station, 0.56 inches in Orcutt, and 0.43 inches in Santa Maria, among others.
Meteorologist John Lindsey noted the presence of a 1,028-millibar blocking high over the Gulf of Alaska, alongside two advancing low-pressure systems targeting Central California. The first of these storm systems will generate strong southerly winds expected to peak at gale-force (25 to 38 mph) from Monday evening through Tuesday morning, diminishing later that afternoon while transitioning to scattered showers throughout the night.
Rainfall predictions indicate totals between 0.5 and 1.25 inches from this initial storm front. On Wednesday, the region will experience winds between 8 to 18 mph alongside moderate drizzle and light rain as an occluded front traverses the area, with projected rainfall between 0.30 and 0.50 inches. Thanksgiving Day will see another cold front moving through, bringing an additional 0.50 to 1.00 inches of rain and moderate southerly winds ranging from 13 to 24 mph. Overall, cumulative precipitation from Monday through Thursday is anticipated to be between 1.5 and 3.0 inches, particularly in the Santa Lucia Mountains due to orographic lift.
Temperatures throughout this period are expected to be mild, with nighttime lows in the 40s and daytime highs reaching between 58°F and 62°F. Clear conditions and prevailing Santa Lucia winds are forecasted for the weekend following this spell of rain, suggesting a shift toward drier weather. Periods of rain are anticipated through Monday night, tapering off into Tuesday, with continued chances of precipitation leading up to and following Thanksgiving.
The Central Coast weather is significantly influenced by the interplay of cold and warm fronts which impact local precipitation patterns. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides regular updates on such meteorological events, helping the public stay informed during periods of dynamic weather. The approach of a cold front generally brings moisture from the Pacific, leading to increased rainfall and varying wind conditions, particularly near coastal regions. Such weather forecasts are critical for agricultural stakeholders and the general public who may need to make plans around heavy precipitation.
In summary, the Central Coast is poised to experience a series of storm systems resulting in substantial rainfall from Monday through Thanksgiving Day. Temperature forecasts suggest mild conditions will accompany the rain, with substantial accumulations expected. After the rain events, clearer skies and warmer temperatures are projected for the weekend. Stay informed through reliable weather updates to prepare adequately for the upcoming conditions.
Original Source: santamariatimes.com
