Central Coast Braces for Incoming Showers

Thunderstorms and heavy rain expected to impact commutes early this week

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:58pm

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A vast, majestic landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, depicting an ominous storm system moving over a rural valley, with the scale of the natural elements dwarfing any visible human structures or infrastructure.The looming storm clouds over the Pajaro Valley signal the arrival of a weather system that could bring heavy rain and potential disruptions to the morning and evening commutes.Watsonville Today

A new weather system is set to bring showers and a possibility of thunderstorms to the Central Coast region starting on Monday, with the Pajaro Valley expected to receive between 0.5 to 1 inch of rain and north Santa Cruz County potentially seeing 1 to 3 inches, especially in the mountains.

Why it matters

The incoming rain could lead to minor flooding in urban areas, potentially disrupting morning and evening commutes on Monday and Tuesday. This weather event is a typical spring pattern for the region, but the heavy rainfall is still noteworthy for residents and local authorities to prepare for.

The details

According to Roger Gass of the National Weather Service of Monterey, the upper-level low pressure system is dropping in from the Gulf of Alaska, bringing the showers and possibility of thunderstorms. While high winds are not expected, the rain could be heavy at times.

  • Showers are expected to start on Monday.
  • Thunderstorms are possible on Tuesday.
  • Showers are expected to taper off late Tuesday and into Wednesday.

The players

Roger Gass

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service of Monterey.

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What they’re saying

“We are expecting to get showers Monday and a possibility of thunderstorms Tuesday. The upper level low is dropping in out of Gulf of Alaska.”

— Roger Gass, Meteorologist

What’s next

Local authorities are advising residents to be prepared for potential disruptions to their commutes early this week due to the possibility of minor urban flooding.

The takeaway

This spring weather system is a typical occurrence for the Central Coast, but the heavy rainfall is still an important event for residents and local officials to monitor closely in order to ensure public safety and minimize any potential impacts.