Thunderstorms.

Kirkwood, California looking awesome

Southeast flow has set up aloft, and monsoon like moisture will be pulled into the southern Sierra and possibly through Central California.  Suddenly, it is summer.  It was just a week ago when we saw moderate rains in Santa Cruz and a few inches of snow up in the higher elevation.  Speaking of the higher elevations, the skiing was superb at Kirkwood over the weekend.  The snow reached almost to the base of the lift, but it was more the weather that made it spectacular.  80F at the base.  No clouds and just a touch of a breeze.  And the views.  Bright green meadows, fire red rock, huge patches of snow, water flowing over every precipice and then there are the wild flowers.  It is going to be an awesome summer in the high country this summer.  Try to get up there and enjoy it.

Snowmelt runs everywhere in the Sierra.

We head into a slight cooling trend this week.  Tuesday will be another hot one before things begin to cool off.  Temperatures will vary significantly around the bay.  High 90s in Los Gatos and Walnut Creek.  Mid 80s further up the Peninsula and the East Bay.  Santa Cruz should be in the mid 70s and barely breaking 60 in the Sunset.  If you can, travel to your ideal day.  Wednesday will be a bit cooler, but the big news will be humidity and a chance of thunderstorms.  Yup, thunderstorms.  It sure has been an interesting year.  The greatest chances are in the south of our region.  The air remains turbulent through Thursday, as daytime highs continue to dip.  By Saturday, we can expect low 70s in Santa Cruz, and up to mid 80s in the warmer areas.  The Sunset remains foggy and 60 through the period.  Elsewhere along the coast, we can expect foggy mornings, and some lingering fog on Friday and Saturday.  But still nothing like last years gloom.  We actually get to see the sun each day.

Surf for this coming week is looking pretty small.  The only game in town through mid week will be small to mid sized short period wind swell coming locally out of the north west.  Thursday we begin to see small mid period south swell arriving.  Let me stress small.  And not very consistent.  Things begin to get a little better as more south swell arrives late Friday and into Saturday.  Another should be on its heels late Sunday or so.  Still, none of these are very large, and all of them are shadowed by Fiji.  At least the wind should be light in the mornings for the next few days.  Still, again, it is suddenly summer.  Best bet will be for some surf this coming weekend.  Until then, bring your longboard.  Or better yet, grab your bike.

Summer squash.  Keep 'em moist.

Mind your gardens.  Check that soil, and water appropriately.  Hopefully, by now your tomato plants don't need much water.  Once your plants begin to set fruit, you will want to significantly reduce the amount they are watered, otherwise you will end up with large, mealy and watery tomatoes.  For many types, such as Early Girls and Sungold 100s, you can completely shut off the water.  Many heirloom varieties will need a little water  though.  Other parts of your garden will need plenty of water during the summer heat.  Keep those cucumber roots moist.  As well as string beans.  The point is, as the sun is high in the sky, and the mercury rises, don't forget the water.  You will also want to keep an eye out for pests.  I especially find the aphid a nasty creature.  These sap suckers populate quickly on the underside of leaves.  Blast them away with a strong stream of water.  If you wish to eradicate them, try a solution of biodegradable soap and water in a spray bottle.  Stay on top of them, or they will take over and devour your crops.

Another foggy week.  Warmest (hot even) on Tuesday.  Thunderstorms roll across the region on Wednesday and Thursday with greatest likely hood along south facing slopes.  Chance increase as you travel south as well.  Cooler and lingering fog Friday and Saturday.