Good morning Central Coast! The weather has taken quite the turn from the balmy temperatures of late February, with Thursday setting record highs across southern California. While only one community officially recorded the high, many weather stations were reporting within just one or two degrees of those record temperatures.
And now, the forecast shows significant shifts as storm systems begin to bear down on the region, bringing much cooler temperatures and impending rain. The highs are expected to drop to the mid-60s for most communities, aligning temperatures closer to seasonal averages.
With wave energy returning along the coast, beachgoers should be cautious, as weather officials have issued high surf advisories for the western beaches. Breaking waves of between 8 to 12 feet, and localized sets reaching up to 15 feet, will pose significant risks, along with dangerous rip currents. These advisories remain active until 9 AM on Saturday morning.
Rain is anticipated from the first cold upper low system, which is currently positioned about 200 miles west of Point Conception. This system is likely to bring light rain late Friday night through early Saturday, though the models indicate the primary rain chances may shift farther south, leaving the Central Coast with only minor shower coverage.
Forecasters are bullish about the arrival of another storm expected on Sunday, which should produce more substantial rain across the area. While initial forecasts predict light rainfall totals, there is potential for locally heavier showers, particularly around San Luis Obispo County. This system can also bring strong west to northwest winds, with gusts ranging from 30 to 45 mph forecasted near coastal areas.
Weather experts predict snow levels will dip significantly, potentially impacting travel over the Grapevine on Interstate 5 overnight from Sunday to Monday, leading to increased concentrations of snow. Although snow accumulations appear minimal, travelers should be mindful of brief delays.
A window of dry weather is on the horizon for Monday and Tuesday, but remain cautious: the temperatures will maintain their chill, and another storm system is set to arrive on Tuesday night through Wednesday, poised to be the most impactful yet. This system, possessing abundant moisture, promises to bring significant rain to the region, increasing both the likelihood and intensity of precipitation as the specifics of timing and amounts become clearer.
For Kern County, the temperature rollercoaster is expected to stabilize as March rolls in, but not before brief and gusty winds linger through the mountain areas. Friday greeted residents with the tail end of the windy conditions, and travel advisories remain for those traversing the Grapevine due to gusts peaking at 50 mph.
Light showers are also brewing for Kern as another weak system approaches, presenting around 10-20% chances of rain Friday night, though these should not be particularly impactful. Looking to Sunday, the forecast expects to ramp up precipitation, with Bakersfield possibly receiving between 0.3 to 0.5 inches of rain. Snow levels are predicted to hover near 4,000 feet, hinting at the possibility of flurries for early Monday morning commutes.
It is important to note the pattern of shifting weather across the states; the Central Coast and Kern County are not alone. Regions as far as Saginaw, Michigan are experiencing their own unique changes. Saginaw recently witnessed warmer conditions retreating as the month begins, signaling the return of winter. Rain and snow showers are projected to envelop mid-Michigan as residents brace for evenings characterized by lowered temperatures post-cold front, pushing highs back to the higher 30s and 40s next week.
Michigan's Saginaw also anticipates lake-effect snow showers as the weekend approaches, triggered by northwesterly winds. While many may escape without accumulating snow, certain eastern terrain could see 1-2 inches.
It's evident the current weather patterns are poised to challenge expectations state-wide, where California braces for heavy precipitation and wind effects, and mid-Michigan confronts more winter-like behavior altogether. Across the country, the emphasis remains on staying informed and prepared.
Once again, there's reason for the Central Coast and Kern County to remain vigilant as changing weather patterns continue to loom—potentially carrying heavy rain through to the second week of March. Residents should stay tuned for updates and changes to the forecast as the situation develops.