The Diablo Canyon Waverider Buoy data and NOAA/NCEP’s WaveWatch III model display can reveal a great deal about the evolving oceanographic conditions along the Central Coast, and they indicate that it’s time to batten down the hatches!
Northwesterly winds will steadily increase today through Friday, before peaking Saturday afternoon and evening at moderate gale-force to fresh gale-force (32 to 46 mph, with gusts exceeding 55 mph) levels. 🍃
These powerful winds will generate a 7- to 9-foot northwesterly (310-degree deep-water) sea and swell on Friday, building to 12- to 14-feet on Saturday (with a 5- to 11-second period). Note: Wave heights will be even higher offshore. 🌬️🌊
Meanwhile, significant ocean upwelling will drive seawater temperatures down to a frigid 48 to 50 degrees along the immediate coastline this weekend, cold indeed! 🫧🥶
These winds will decrease on Monday and Tuesday.