UPDATED FORECAST - LATE MARCH

 Today and tomorrow will feature sunshine before the next weather system moves in for the weekend.   This upcoming storm won't be that strong, just more showers on and off Sat/Sun.   Beyond that the pattern stays unsettled into the first week in April and perhaps a bit more into the month before I'm starting to perhaps see a start to more spring like weather for CA.   Surf looks to stay pretty small with mixed swells from the northwest and some south swell.   Today the northwest is only around 5@11,  with trace of long period south from 180 degrees but probably not noticeable at 0.8 ft @20.  That south is forecast to get to 2@16 by Saturday.   NW winds today over the outer waters, might be lighter near shore.   Winds turn south tomorrow and Saturday as the next storm arrives - but remaining pretty light.   NW winds return behind the front Sunday, Monday and beyond with an uptick in northwest swell 6-8 ft by Monday.   Pretty much looking like spring time surf conditions/wave heights.   We might still see some swell from the N Pac as i  think the pattern will remain very active well into April and perhaps May as El Niño builds, but best to start keeping an eye on the S Pac now to see if we get some early season swells.  Cya in the water.  

UPDATED FORECAST - MID MARCH

 Surf remains on the very small side through the weekend.   Light winds today, turning strong south/southeast tonight into Sunday as a storm system comes ashore bringing widespread rain from Santa Cruz to Pt Arena.   Surf is going to stay small through the weekend unfortunately and don't see much increase until mid week when a modest west swell fills in - likely only 7-9 ft, longer period on Wednesday.     North to northwest winds will increase behind the front next week and on and off rain showers seem possible, but no flooding issues.   Winter not done yet, but for sure looking and feeling like spring time surf.   Small wave gear for sure.   Cya in the water.   

MARCH

March 1 is usually the end of the "good" waves season for Nor Cal.   No different this March, but we do have XL surf today 9-12 ft @14 sec from 310-320 - steep angle due in most part to the long fetch of north/northwest wind behind this front currently hitting CA.   Overall the pattern stays wet with junky south to southwest to west winds through the next week.   Swell will trend down after Monday night, staying mid size through Thursday.   On and off rain in the forecast and if you read the NOAA forecasts the models are starting to hint at another series of AR (atmospheric river) events starting March 10/11.   La Niña is dead.  The Active MJO is flexing and the Pacific has more tricks ahead for us before we see the end of this epic winter season for weather.  So, there will be waves around - not ideal, but stuff to ride if you know where to look.  Cya in the water!