Is it October? Cause it Sure Feels Like December.

But that will soon pass, and we can expect a nice return to the weather of choice.  Although, it is pretty spectacular out there this evening with parting clouds and breaking sun.  Thursday should bring clearing weather, but there does linger the chance of showers through most of the day.  Things really begin to dry out on Friday and start to warm up some for the weekend.  But more on that below.

It is a powder day, and turns have been made up in the Sierra.  Those lucky enough to get out found about a foot of fresh snow.  But be careful if you go, because under that fluff in a summer's worth of dry rocks, logs and other end the season before it begins hazards.  We will have to see how the rest of the storm plays out, but there is a small chance that we will see a bit of this snow stick around up high.  If we get a cold period before our seasonal base comes in, we could see some facet development and sketchy conditions.  And there is already suggestions of more snow and rain on the fantasy charts.  But it looks like the 10/11 snow season has begun.

Clouds break near Steamer Lane light house in Santa Cruz.

But more about our local weather down here on the coast.  Another chilly and possibly wet at times day on tap for tomorrow.  Many areas may wake to mostly clear skies and see it stick that way through the day.  Still, this system has bands rolling through, so plan for possible showery weather.  By Friday, we can expect minimal clouds and temperatures returning into the 70s, even along the coast.  The weekend and next week look pretty nice.  No fog along the coast.  Cool, crisp mornings in the low to mid 50s, warm, to hot days in the low to high 70s, with some of the best spots (LG) breaking into the 80s.  By mid week, most areas will be seeing mid 70s and higher.  Not too shabby for the Halloween month.

A break in between two systems offered up a beautiful morning Tuesday.

Over this weekend, a large, powerful storm of forecasted to move through the north eastern Pacific.  It will weaken some as it crosses the dateline, but if this comes to pass, we can expect a large winter like swell to develop for the middle of next week.  All weather from this system if forecasted to move well north of us, and mainly impact the Alaskan panhandle.  Our next chance at rain looks to be the following weekend, or around the 15th.  That is all fantasy at this point, but something to keep an eye on.  It would be an oddity, but this strong of a storm in the first week of October sure is an anomaly.  More likely than not, we will see the rest of the month stay high and dry.

A great spot to relax in Natural Bridges SP, Santa Cruz.

Still hope to put up a market report later this week.  Things are changing at the farms, and after this rain, noticeably fewer farms had strawberries out for sale this week.  Other produce is leaving for the season, as others are coming on line.  More on that later.  For now, clearing through the rest of the week, with a great weekend ahead.  And even better for next week.