Ahoy!
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is under way, and I am watching the weather closely as a storm system slides through the area. I have been receiving emails about the weather for the parade, and especially since now is the busiest time on the water and at the shoreside parties.
The outlook is still favorable, with a 40 to 50 percent chance of rain on our parade, which means a 50 to 60 percent chance that it will not rain for tonight and Saturday. Sunday might be a different outlook with the chance of rain increasing that potentially could hit for the final night and the firework finale. Can the fireworks still go if it is raining?
You have noticed the dramatic change in the daytime air temperature this week from the 80s at the beginning of the week to now with the highs in the high 50s to the low 60s. The lows should drop only about 10 degrees at night with the insulating cloud cover overhead.
The systems will bring stronger-than-usual evening winds that normally taper off after the sun sets. The winds will probably be above 10 knots tonight and Saturday night, dropping under 10 knots for Sunday night. During the next three nights of the parade, skippers can plan for the winds to be blowing from the southeasterly direction, and secure your decorations from any stronger wind gusts.
This week’s report, I am focusing on inside Newport Harbor so we will defer Point Conception till next week. However, for those boaters heading out past the jetties, watch for building seas and short intervals into the first of next week.
Remember, to always check the sea and weather conditions before you leave the dock, and give a safely briefing to your guests onboard before you leave your dock to join in and enjoy the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.
As a reminder, if you are in the parade then please have your boat’s parade number displayed as you pass my announcer’s booth at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum at the Fun Zone.
Safe Voyages,
Mike Whitehead, Capt.
