Santa Cruz awoke to fog on Saturday morning. It was a bit of a shock, and sure gave us a summer like feeling. Cool and damp in the morning, with sun breaking out around noon, and warm through the afternoon. Saturday reached over 70F around town, and was even warmer over the hill. Now might be a good time to remind every one that sunblock is your friend. Apply before heading out, even if you are feeling chilly with the coastal fog. The UV rays do make it through the grey layer, and it will often go from thick fog to super sunny in a matter of minutes.
The week ahead is decidedly un-summer-like. As early as this evening, we see rain moving into the coast. This round is coming from almost due west, so while chances of rain are slightly higher to our north, it looks likely that we will see at least showers by Monday morning's commute. We could see some moderate rains at times. Oh, it is will be cooler, with highs tomorrow in the 50s and perhaps low 60s. Welcome back winter. But, not really, as this system will be brief and we should see some clearing by Monday night. Tuesday looks to be a bit better, with a touch more warming. At the very least, this system will help push put the fog layer we saw the past few days.
Wednesday we see another chance of rain, and even more cold. Greatest probability of showers will be in the evening and to the north. This system will do its part at keeping things cool and seasonable. Later in the week we will return to mostly sun and some clouds. Currently, the weekend looks to be nice, if a bit cool. But that could change. We are seeing a low pressure system setting up in the Gulf of Alaska that will be rotating storms down into the PNW. Just like this past week. Again, as shift in the location of the north Pacific high pressure could drive storms further south. If that becomes the case, we could see a few days of stronger and colder storms affect our area. Or, it could be fair. More on the last week of April later.
The Sierra did receive from 2-6 inches of new snow last Wednesday night, giving the mountains a day of dust on crust skiing and riding. That is all old news by now, as spring conditions were in effect by Friday morning. Up high, on shaded north facing zones, some powdery snow did remain for a few days, but it was sparse and hard to find. Sierra Avalanche Center is posting a moderate level warning today, as warming instabilities increase in the afternoon. Things are looking great for touring, with a solid refreeze at night and warming during the day. A perfect corn cycle, especially with these small storms coming through. They drop just enough snow to smooth out the snow. Tonight and tomorrow may see another few inches to perhaps a foot in some areas along the crest. Monday and Tuesday might see a return to winter (read: powder) snow. The warmer nature of this storm may result in decent skiing at the resorts, as wet snow will stick to and smooth out the bumps. Still, you will want to stay up high to get anything deep (or light) as the snow levels will start above 8000 feet and will lower to just above lake level late on Monday. Still plenty of great skiing with many resorts staying open through May 1st and beyond.
This is great garden weather. Great weather to get out and tend to chores around the yard. Turn the compost, amend the soil, weed the plants. It is also great weather for starting seeds or transplanting seedlings. The combination of warmer days and some possible rain is nearly perfect. One of the hardest things about starting plants is keeping them from drying out, or being stunted by cold nights. While later in the week we some cooler nights, we expect to stay above 40F, even at 3000 feet. So, the coast, is (fairly) clear for getting plants going. Even some of the more warmth loving types, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, should weather this week's storm. If you are still nervous about setting your young plants out, May is looking like we may get January's pattern. Get ready for some possible warmth. And, even with a little rain this week, don't forget to check your soil and water as needed. Things are drying out.
For the week ahead. Chance of rain on Monday and Wednesday. Clouds and some clearing on Tuesday and Thursday. Fair on Friday, and perhaps through the weekend. Another week of transitional weather as winter does its best in holding on.
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