More on the Way, but a nice one Today.

Storm clouds gather above the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Mt. Madonna.

 Not a whole lot of new information to report on this morning.  It is super chilly out there this morning, with Pope Valley reporting 32F, Napa Airport 38F, Santa Cruz 40F and SFO 47F.  The sky is not super clear this morning, but that kept the temperature from dropping even lower, and it gave us a super spectacular sunrise.  I'd rate what is going on outside right now as a 8 out of 10.  And it just keeps on getting better.  Super awesome.  Almost like a double rainbow moment at my front window right now.

The rest of today, Saturday, should be pretty nice.  Things will warm up a bit once the sun gets higher in the sky, but don't expect anything too warm.  Mid 50s to maybe low 60s across the region.  By early evening, we should see clouds, and perhaps a bit of rain.  Good chance the rain will hold off until after sunset, and the bulk of it will come over night.  Sunday morning could be a bit wet, but things will dry out through the day.  Next week is still up in the air, but it regardless, things look chilly.  Possible rain by Thursday or Friday.  More on that later.

Snow for the mountains.  Perhaps another 6 to 12 inches tonight at the higher elevations.  More of this light blower, non-base building snow.  Boreal is open today if you want to get some lift served turns.  The ski season starting will be more dependent on what happens over the next few weeks.  The good news is the cold will continue, so what has fallen and what will fall tonight, will stick around for the near term instead of melting off.  That is not to say that it will not blow away, as this stuff does not stick.  The possible next few storms through the middle of the month may have heavier snowfall.  This morning, the teleconnections and models still suggest a few more weeks of turbulent weather.  Time will tell, but it looks more wintery than autumn like through the 20th.

West Cliff Drive getting the very last bit of the day's light as the storm approaches.

Surf wise, the swell is up.  Mid period NW filled in late yesterday and will stick around for the weekend.    Conditions are on the stormy side, but it is nice to have a little swell in the water.  Last Wednesday was a great day for surfing.  The Rip Curl Pro at Ocean Beach had great conditions.  Kelly Slater (sort of) won his 11th World Title, proving what an amazing athlete he really is.  Seriously.  He is almost 40 and still creaming the young crop of up and coming pros.  If you are up in the city, and have the time, check out the contest.

In short, fair Saturday, rain over night and into Sunday.  Clearing around mid day, and through the first half of next week.  Lows in the 40s and highs in the 50s to low 60s.  Possible rain returns later next week.  Possibly heavy.