Strong Winds Will Create Havoc

I have been showing how the models have been anything but consistent the last two days with the development of a cold trough in the Southwest by Monday. Unfortunately, the differences still exist today. In fact, they are even greater than 12 to 24 hours ago in the position of the trough. While this will have a major impact on where precipitation occurs and how cool it becomes, it will not matter nearly as much for the forecast of the winds.

It seems highly likely that there will be a period of very windy weather from Sunday afternoon through Monday down through California and east into southern Nevada and Arizona. Winds in southern California, especially the mountains and Upper Deserts will begin to ramp Sunday afternoon. From the CANSAC MM5, here is the forecast wind for 5 p.m. Sunday.

However, the windiest weather for southern California, including all mountains and all deserts and east into southern Nevada and Arizona, is likely to occur Monday. Widespread winds of 20 to 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph are likely in the mountains and deserts, and winds of 15-35 mph are likely west of the mountains in southern California. Expect blowing sand and dust problems in the deserts, and it is possible there could be local damage caused by the winds.