Near Freezing Temperatures To Hit Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Just a week after record-high temperatures hit the Central Coast, Mother Nature is overcompensating with a round of near-freezing temperatures and high winds.

The moderate cold snap started Sunday, and was followed Monday by the Bay Area’s first rain in 45 days. This was followed by high winds Tuesday, with the National Weather Service reporting gusts of up to 22 mph in Santa Cruz.

The coldest weather is predicted on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and last until Saturday morning.

Santa Cruz is expected to see a low of 33 degrees Tuesday night, with widespread frost expected before 9 a.m. and possible thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will see a high of 58 degrees and lighter winds of 8 to 13 miles per hour, but temperatures will plunge to about 34 Wednesday night, and remain at freezing on Thursday morning. Thursday and Friday nights can expect similar temperatures. Temperatures will warm to about 62 Saturday, and drop to about 41 at night.

“Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold,” the National Weather Service warned. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing.”

Unhoused populations are advised to seek shelter at night. Here is a list of shelters in and around Santa Cruz.