Big surf and sunny days ahead.

Now that wasn't so bad.  Actually, it was mellower than expected.  The winds blew a bit for sure, but the rain was pretty minor in Santa Cruz.  You can credit that one on our southerly facing location, with the mountain range giving us a little protection.  This storm split a bit early and further north than expected.  Still, much of the Bay Area saw some moderate rains and steady drizzle.  Not much, if any, made it up to the mountains.  Plan on reports of a dusting on Wednesday morning.  Los Angeles, on the other hand, got a pretty good watering.  I guess it pays to live in the better part of the state.

Steamer Lane is always a great spot to watch some big surf.  You can check out more pics here.

What we do have to look forward to is some warming days.  And some big surf.  The surf arrives overnight, and we could be seeing 12-18 foot surf along the coast by morning.  I'm sure there will be a crew out at Mavericks if you are looking to view the big stuff.  This is a west swell, so size won't drop considerable when you get into town.  Middle Peak will be offering up wave bigger than double overhead. Some of the spots that focus the swell less will be a bit more manageable.  But pretty much no where will be small.

Don't believe the hype.  The skiing has been fun, and there is snow.  Nothing like last year, but if you like to schuss, go get some.

After some clouds clear in the morning, it will be mostly sun on Wednesday.  This should last through at least Saturday.  And more likely than not, sunday as well.  We have a storm that needs tracking for later in the weekend, but my guess right now is that is will stay north and into the PNW.  Thursday looks like a winner, with high 60s expected here on the coast.  Things do cool off a bit with the northern storm, so expect about 60, or a touch warmer for the weekend.  Night continue cool (not cold) with lows down in the low 40s.  More later.