As expected Friday saw the arrival of cold air and high winds and ultimately some showers are also possible from a vigorous low pressure system inside a larger upper level trough. Winds Friday afternoon were high enough for advisories (15-25 with gusts to 40mph) and that wind energy is in the water creating high surf where there is also an advisory into Monday for 12-16ft break.
Clearly daytime highs took a huge hit, 15-30 degrees depending where you live. Highs over the weekend will stay in the 50s and 60s.
Showers should begin either late tonight or early Saturday with 0.10 and 0.50" possible. Inland areas will likely see less. Snow levels look low at about 4000 ft.
Winds will slow tonight but another impulse will crank them up Saturday at 20-30 with gust potential to near 50 in some places. Sunday afternoon winds also look rather high.
Offshore winds return Monday in the night and morning hours early next week but in the wake of a cold system my concern is that clear skies and dry air could cause some frost and freeze potential.
The other outstanding issue in the forecast is the upcoming rain potential, we will still be in an open trough over The West. Models show some impulses moving thru but generally dry and windy cool air events. Stay tuned for updates on the later portion of next week.
