Update 9:40pm
"Kay" is now a post-tropical cyclone. This is a downgrade from the tropical storm status it was most of the day.
I did an extensive FB Live about the rain, lightning and track of the storm that you can check out.
——————- the following is the story from earlier ———————-
The heat wave only has a few more hours in it before the main topic of conversation can move to "Kay" or what is left of her.
As of Friday afternoon, the path of Kay was set to take a hard turn to the west and continue to weaken, in fact, Kay was just holding on to tropical storm status.
There is a large moisture shield surrounding Kay and even though a landfall of the storm center is not likely numerous showers and thunderstorms are likely with Kay, especially across Southern California. There are numerous flood watches in place for potential further south.
Locally, the Central Coast can expect to get on and off showers and some thunderstorms. Due to the nature of tropical weather timing individual activity will not be possible. It is best to expect variable clouds with on and off activity from now into Sunday. The peak of activity looks to be Saturday afternoon, but again there will be activated before and after that.
In terms of rain potential our outlook remains unchanged: Light to .70" for most locations with .25-1" in foothills with higher amounts possible in mountains (especially the Santa Barbara county mountains).
There is a high surf advisory as well for the Southcoast for 4-7ft waves generated by the winds from Kay.
The heat advisory and excessive heat warnings for the area will expire at 8pm. The forecast for the weekend brings temps down dramatically to near average. Note: the overnight lows tonight due to muggy air and clouds will be rather warm in the mid-60s or warmer for some.
Kay moves off early next week and skies begin to clear. Temperatures will remain mild thru next week.
Other notes:
Kay has a VERY unique path. Historically storms do not get this far north.
#Kay's track is a bit unusual for the eastern North Pacific. Since the NHC took responsibility for the basin in 1988, **no other TC** has been where Kay is now.
— Dr. Kim Wood (@DrKimWood) September 9, 2022
If we include pre-1988 tracks, only a handful have been near Kay's current location. pic.twitter.com/SRYUrNpMmy
Triple dip LaNina looking rather likely. This is the ocean water condition during the rainy season that locally can reduce rainfall potential.
The latest ENSO Outlook from @nwscpc has it looking very likely that the 3rd consecutive La Niña winter will happen, with a 91% chance of #LaNiña through September-November & an 80% chance through November-January. @NOAAClimate pic.twitter.com/iWYXWoJaCb
— NOAA Research (@NOAAResearch) September 9, 2022
...and believe it or not, we could see another heat event later this month.
Here is the GEFS for the end of the Month. After a 10 day reprieve, the heat will be back at the end of the month. Lets try to get as much rain as possible from Kay this weekend..... pic.twitter.com/QbaC4z5Zj0
— Jason Meshekow, AMS (@realwxforecast) September 9, 2022