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Schizophrenic Winter Weather Plunges Bay Area Into 20s, Then Sizzles Santa Cruz At 80 Degrees

SANTA CRUZ (KPIX) -- In one of the weirdest winter weather patterns in recent memory, New Year's brought 20 degree lows to the inland Bay Area, followed by highs in the 80s Tuesday in Santa Cruz.

"We've seen extreme rain, wind, cold, and now warm in the Bay Area in just the last four weeks. The first part of winter has been very interesting to say the least!" explained KPIX 5 Chief Meteorologist Paul Deanno.

As the rest of the nation shivers under another polar vortex, the high pressure settled into Northern California, bringing countless pollution-filled "Spare The Air" days and surprisingly high temperatures.

Los Gatos and Half Moon Bay were warmest in the Bay Area, topping out at 72 degrees, while San Benito County and Santa Cruz to the south peaked in the 80s.

"The same high pressure dome that shoved the arctic air down from Canada last week is now sitting right on top of the Bay Area, causing the atmosphere to warm up, especially in the higher elevations," Deanno explained.

How hot will it get tomorrow?

WEATHER FOR YOUR ZIP CODE: http://cbssf.com/weather

 

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