The Sea Breeze At Monterey Bay

Sea breeze events on the Monterey Bay are examined from a single station at the mouth of the Salinas Valley. Data analyzed are continuous, two- minute meteorological samples of windspeed, wind direction, temperature, dew point, incoming shortwave irradiance, and incoming longwave irradiance. A speed index is defined using the average hourly maximum and minimum windspeeds oriented in the cross-shore direction thereby reflecting the thermally induced diurnal windspeed enhancement. Large-scale effects on this mesoscale circulation are presented through evaluation of changes in boundary layer depth with changes in speed index. Changes in boundary layer depth as reflected in trends of inland stratus penetration and offshore flow provide insight for anticipating sea breeze intensity.