Swell Matrix

Area Forecast Discussion

National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard Ca

154 pm PDT Wed may 13 2026

Synopsis

13/341 AM.

Temperatures will largely be below normal today, with low clouds widespread during the morning. Chances are high for widespread sunshine by the afternoon. Gusty winds are expected times across the mountains and deserts. Slight warming is expected Thursday and Friday, and above normal temperatures are possible early next week.

Short Term

(tdy-Sat), 13/150 PM.

Overall, 12Z models in good synoptic agreement through the short term period. At upper levels, a flat ridge will develop over the area through Friday with an inside slider dropping into the Great Basin on Saturday. At the surface, moderate onshore flow will continue to the east with increasing northwesterly flow developing on Friday/Saturday.

Forecast-wise for the short term, no significant issues are expected. With only minor changes in H5 heights, the marine inversion is expected to remain rather deep (around 2500 feet or greater in depth). So, in theory, the areal coverage of stratus each night should be rather extensive (well into the coastal valleys). However with the developing northwest flow and the inversion not being too strong, the stratus coverage could end up being less than in the current forecast. So, confidence in the stratus forecast is low to moderate. Other than any marine layer clouds, skies should remain mostly clear through the weekend.

As for winds, do not anticipate any widespread advisory-level winds through Thursday, just typically gusty southwesterly winds across interior sections. However for Friday and Saturday, as the northwesterly winds increase, there will be a chance of winds increasing to advisory levels (gusts 40-55 MPH) across the usual spots (Interstate 5 Corridor and the Santa Ynez Range). So, future shifts will need to monitor that potential closely.

Finally as for temperatures, will expect a gradual warming trend west of the mountains through Saturday (with temperatures topping out in the 70s to lower 80s on Saturday). However for interior sections, the warming trend will continue through Friday, but Saturday will experience several degrees of cooling as the inside slider moves into the Great Basin.

Long Term

(Sun-Wed), 13/150 PM.

For the extended, the excitement levels look to remain on the low side. Models indicate the inside slider will move across the Great Basin on Sunday with some form of upper level trough remaining over the area through early next week.

Forecast-wise, main "concern" will be the winds. With the inside slider, gusty northwesterly winds will continue across the area on Sunday with a decent chance of advisory-level winds across the Interstate 5 Corridor and the Santa Ynez Range. For Monday through Wednesday, no significant wind issues are expected as moderate onshore pressure gradients will prevail with the typical gusty southwesterly winds across interior sections.

As for temperatures, there will be some area-wide cooling on Sunday. However for Monday through Wednesday, there will be a gradual warming trend across the area. By Wednesday, afternoon temperatures are expected to generally be in the mid 70s to mid 80s.

Finally with respect to cloud cover, there will continue to be night and morning low clouds and fog west of mountains each day. Otherwise, mostly clear and dry conditions can be expected.

Aviation

13/1749z.

At 1719Z at KLAX, the marine layer was 3500 ft deep. The top of the inversion was at 5000 ft with a temperature of 16 C.

High confidence in VFR TAFs for desert airfields (KPMD & KWJF).

Moderate confidence in remaining TAFs. Timing of CIG/VSBY restrictions may be off +/- 2 hours and flight minimums off by one category.

KLAX, Moderate confidence in TAF. Arrival and clearing times of CIGs may be off +/- 2 hours. Expecting return of MVFR CIGs 010-015 around 14/08Z with periods of IFR BKN008 possible. No significant east wind component expected.

KBUR, Moderate confidence in TAF. No wind issues expected.

Marine

13/1210 PM.

For the outer waters from the Central Coast to San Nicolas Island, high confidence in Small Craft Advisory (SCA) winds & seas developing Wednesday and lasting through Thursday Night. HIGH RISK of STRONG Gale Force winds as early as Friday and peaking over the weekend, with large 10-15+ feet steep seas.

SCY conditions likely for the nearshore Central Coast waters each afternoon and evening through Thursday, with stronger winds and building seas Friday through the weekend. HIGH RISK of GALES Saturday into Sunday. There is also a moderate chance across the Santa Barbara Channel on Saturday.

GALE WATCHES have been issued. Refer to MWWLOX for details.

Over the weekend, The combination of high winds and seas could result in hazardous surfing conditions and minor coastal flooding especially across more unprotected west-facing beaches such as along the Ventura coastline. Stay tuned for future updates.

Watches, Warnings, Advisories

Ca, NONE. PZ, Small Craft Advisory in effect until 9 PM PDT this evening for zone 645. (See LAXMWWLOX). Gale Watch in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday evening for zone 645. (See LAXMWWLOX). Small Craft Advisory in effect until 9 AM PDT Friday for zone 670. (See LAXMWWLOX). Gale Watch in effect from Friday morning through late Sunday night for zone 670. (See LAXMWWLOX). Small Craft Advisory in effect until 3 PM PDT Friday for zone 673. (See LAXMWWLOX). Gale Watch in effect from Friday afternoon through late Sunday night for zone 673. (See LAXMWWLOX). Small Craft Advisory in effect from 6 PM this evening to 9 AM PDT Thursday for zone 676. (See LAXMWWLOX). Gale Watch in effect from Friday evening through late Sunday night for zone 676. (See LAXMWWLOX).

Visit this site often? Consider supporting us with a $10 contribution.
Learn more