Stormy Seas Calm for Christmas, But Powerful Waves Expected to Return
Northern California to Face High-Surf Advisory
Stormy seas along the California coast calmed a bit for the Christmas holiday, but powerful ocean waves were expected to return to the Bay Area for the rest of the week. Waves up to 30 feet high were expected to crash ashore in Northern California between Thursday morning and Sunday afternoon. The National Weather Service issued a high-surf advisory, warning swimmers and boaters to beware of dangerous conditions.
Bay Area to See Rain and Fog
The Bay Area will see high temperatures in the low 60s and a strong chance of rain with patchy fog throughout the weekend, according to meteorologists. The rain could cause flooding in local creeks and heavily paved areas.
Recent Storm Damage
Early in the week, as the ocean raged against the coast, the outer portion of the historic Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed, plunging three people into turbulent waters; all of them were later rescued. Storm-tossed debris killed a man in Monterey Bay.
Winter Storms a Normal Occurrence
According to National Weather Service meteorologist Brayden Murdock, "The last time we saw some swells like this was probably early January 2023. So it’s not terribly common to get this extreme — but this time of year, it’s not out of the question."
Southern California to See Milder Conditions
In Southern California, conditions were milder. After a foggy and overcast start to Christmas morning, the clouds dispersed, allowing the sun to come through. Weather Service meteorologists had forecast waves cresting between 5 to 10 feet in Los Angeles and Orange counties for Christmas Day. The highest waves, up to 15 feet, were anticipated to last through the week farther north in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.
Blustery Weather Brings Dangers
High temperatures were expected to remain in the upper 60s for the remainder of the week, with no rain in the forecast. Meteorologists cautioned motorists about powerful gusts in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys that could make driving difficult for larger vehicles.
Drought-Stricken Southern California at Risk
The blustery weather spells trouble amid abnormally dry weather in Southern California. Downtown Los Angeles has typically received about 4 inches of rain by this point in the wet season, which begins in October and lasts through March. So far this year, it has gotten about 0.16 inches.
Fire Risk Expected to Increase
Gusts of up to 60 miles per hour will create elevated wildfire risk, especially next week, when Santa Ana winds could funnel dry, hot air through Southern California mountain passes, according to Ariel Cohen, the meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service office in Oxnard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current forecast for the Bay Area?
A: The Bay Area will see high temperatures in the low 60s and a strong chance of rain with patchy fog throughout the weekend.
Q: What are the expected wave heights in Northern California?
A: Waves up to 30 feet high are expected to crash ashore in Northern California between Thursday morning and Sunday afternoon.
Q: What is the current situation in Southern California?
A: In Southern California, conditions are milder, with expected wave heights of 5 to 10 feet in Los Angeles and Orange counties for Christmas Day, and up to 15 feet in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.
Q: What is the fire risk in Southern California?
A: The blustery weather brings elevated wildfire risk, especially next week, when Santa Ana winds could funnel dry, hot air through Southern California mountain passes.
