Wind advisory in store for the Merced area, but warmer weather also is on the way

The Merced area will be under a wind advisory Monday and dry weather is expected throughout the week, according to the National Weather Service.

The wind advisory is scheduled to be in effect from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday, according to forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Hanford.

Sunny conditions were forecast for the region Sunday, with highs in the mid-60s and a low of about 40 overnight.

Temperatures are expected to reach a high of around 58 degrees Monday before dropping at night to a low of about 37.

“We are expecting much cooler temperatures and some breezy conditions tomorrow,” Weather Service meteorologist David Spector said. According to Spector, forecasters say the area could see wind gusts as strong as 40 mph Monday afternoon and evening.

These winds could be strong enough to topple dead trees and impact travel for motorists in large vehicles.

On Tuesday, the area is expected to see highs in the low 60s before dropping to the mid-30s Tuesday night. A warming trend should raise temperatures back to normal by Friday and into the weekend.

Conditions are expected to be sunny on Wednesday with highs in the low 60s and a overnight low of around 40, according to forecasters. Highs on Thursday will approach the upper 60s before dropping into the mid-40s overnight.

The Merced River in Stevinson remained just above flood stage on Sunday morning at 71.1 feet, according to forecasters. Flood stage for the river at that location is 71 feet. Spector said the level is due to a controlled release of water, which is expected to continue until further notice.

Bear Creek in Merced was recorded at 7.2 feet Sunday morning, well below the action stage of 17 feet, according to Spector.