SLO County weather forecast: Expect warm weather and wind

If one were to put together a prediction for this time of the year using strictly historical data, this week’s weather forecast would perfectly reflect a classic Central California spring weather pattern.

A cycle of strong to gale-force (25 to 38 mph with gusts to 45 mph) northwesterly winds developing during the afternoon along the coastline, decreasing during the night and morning will continue through Wednesday.

This week’s high temperatures will range from the high-80s and low-90s in the inland valleys (Paso Robles) and mid to high-70s in the coastal valleys (San Luis Obispo). The beaches will range between the low and mid-60s except for the southerly facing beaches of Cayucos, Avila Beach and Shell Beach which will reach the mid-70s.

The persistent northwesterly (onshore) winds will allow the marine layer to develop in the coastal regions during the night and morning with pockets of fog and mist.

The northwesterly winds are forecast to increase to moderate gale-force to fresh gale-force (32 to 46 mph) levels on Thursday into Friday. These winds should be strong enough to mix out the marine layer, leaving behind mostly clear skies with seasonal temperatures. The long-range models do not indicate any rain for Central California, which is typical for May as the rainfall season comes to an end.

Surf report

Sunday’s 6- to 8-foot northwesterly (310-degree, deep-water) sea and swell (with a 5- to 11-second period) will remain at this level through Monday morning.

An 8- to 10-foot northwesterly (310-degree, deep-water) sea and swell (with a 5- to 11-second period) will start Monday afternoon and will continue at this level through Saturday.

A 1- to 1-foot swell (with a 15- to 17-second period) will arrive from the Southern Hemisphere (190-degree, deep-water) along our coastline on Monday and will remain at this level through Friday.

Seawater temperatures range between 48 and 50 degrees through Friday.

This week’s temperatures

LOWS AND HIGHS, PASO ROBLES

LOWS AND HIGHS, SAN LUIS OBISPO AND COASTAL VALLEYS

PG&E safety tip

This week’s gale-force winds could cause downed trees or branches that could be hiding a power line. Always assume all wires are energized and extremely dangerous. Don’t touch or try to move it — keep children and animals far away. Report downed lines to 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.

John Lindsey’s is PG&E’s Diablo Canyon marine meteorologist and a media relations representative. Email him at pgeweather@pge.com or follow him on Twitter @PGE_John.

This story was originally published May 15, 2022 at 5:00 AM.