SLO weather forecast for the week of Dec. 9: Storms give way to cool, dry days

Cool and drier weather returns late Sunday night as high pressure builds over California.

This condition will produce a pattern of moderate to fresh (13 to 24 mph) Santa Lucia (northeasterly) winds during the night and morning, shifting out of the northwest during the afternoon on Monday through Friday.

This pattern will produce mostly clear to partly cloudy skies with cooler overnight lows and mild afternoon highs. Morning lows will range between the low to mid-40s and daytime highs in the 60s. A few passing low-pressure systems could bring increasing mid- to high-level clouds on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Note: With the recent rains, dense ground fog may develop during the overnight, especially in the wind-sheltered valleys.

The long-range models are indicating mostly dry weather will continue through Dec. 20, if not longer.

Surf report

A 3- to 5-foot northwesterly (295-degree, deep-water) sea and swell (with a 5- to 15-second period) is forecast along our coastline on Monday into Tuesday, increasing to 4 to 6 feet with the same period on Wednesday into Thursday.

A 9- to 11-foot northwesterly (305-degree, deep-water) swell (with a 17- to 20-second period) will arrive along our coastline next Friday. Higher-energy northwesterly swell is forecast to continue along our coastline on December 14, 15 and 16.

Seawater temperatures will range from 57 and 60 degrees through Sunday, decreasing to 56 and 59 degrees on Monday through Friday.

This week’s PG&E safety tip

According to the California Highway Patrol, here are some tips for driving in foggy conditions: Drive with lights on low beam. High beams will reflect off the fog, creating a “white wall” effect. Reduce your speed and watch your speedometer. Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you might be speeding. Avoid crossing traffic lanes. Travel with the driver’s window partially open. Listen for traffic. Watch for CHP pace cars to guide you. If your car is disabled or you can’t continue, pull well onto the shoulder and turn off lights. Move away from your vehicle. Consider postponing your trip until the fog lifts.

This week’s temperatures

LOWS AND HIGHS, PASO ROBLES

LOWS AND HIGHS, SLO AND COASTAL VALLEYS