January in San Diego sometimes affords delicate, dry climate. Common excessive temperatures vary from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-22 Celsius), whereas in a single day lows common within the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit (7-10 Celsius). Rainfall is comparatively low, averaging round two inches for the whole month, although occasional storms can deliver heavier precipitation. Sunshine is considerable, averaging round seven hours per day.
This nice local weather makes January a gorgeous time to go to San Diego. Out of doors actions, from mountaineering and biking to exploring seashores and parks, stay accessible and gratifying. The decrease rainfall and cozy temperatures create perfect circumstances for sightseeing and experiencing the area’s numerous sights. Traditionally, this era represents a quieter season in comparison with the summer time months, providing a doubtlessly extra relaxed expertise for guests.
Understanding San Diego’s January climate patterns can inform journey plans, clothes selections, and exercise choices. The next sections will delve deeper into particular elements of the local weather, together with common temperatures, precipitation patterns, historic climate information, and suggestions for guests.
1. Gentle Temperatures
Gentle temperatures are a defining attribute of San Diego’s January climate. The area’s coastal location and the affect of the Pacific Ocean average temperature fluctuations, stopping extremes of warmth or chilly. Common daytime highs sometimes vary from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-22 Celsius), creating snug circumstances for out of doors actions. This contrasts sharply with many different areas at related latitudes in North America, which expertise considerably colder winters. This mildness stems from the ocean’s capability to soak up and launch warmth slowly, stabilizing air temperatures alongside the coast.
The sensible significance of those delicate temperatures is substantial. They contribute to San Diego’s attraction as a year-round vacation spot, permitting guests to get pleasure from out of doors sights even in the course of the winter months. Climbing, biking, {golfing}, and exploring Balboa Park develop into viable choices, unhampered by snow or freezing temperatures. The temperate local weather additionally reduces the necessity for heavy winter clothes, enhancing consolation and comfort for residents and guests alike. As an example, a light-weight jacket or sweater typically suffices for night outings. This attribute climate sample fosters a vibrant out of doors tradition, contributing to the area’s total high quality of life.
In abstract, delicate temperatures are a key element of San Diego’s January climate, distinguishing it from different places and contributing considerably to its attraction. This mildness facilitates year-round out of doors actions, enhances consolation, and shapes the native life-style. Whereas occasional fluctuations happen, the prevailing delicate temperatures stay a defining function of the area’s local weather throughout January.
2. Low Rainfall
Low rainfall is a trademark of San Diego’s January local weather and a major consider shaping the general climate expertise. The area’s location inside a semi-arid Mediterranean local weather zone contributes to this attribute dryness. Excessive-pressure methods prevalent throughout winter months typically divert storms northward, leading to restricted precipitation. Whereas common rainfall for January hovers round two inches, interannual variability exists, with some years experiencing considerably much less rainfall than others. This shortage of rainfall distinguishes San Diego from many different areas alongside the Pacific coast and contributes to its repute for sunny, dry winters.
The influence of low rainfall extends past mere precipitation ranges. It influences vegetation, water assets, and out of doors actions. The area’s attribute chaparral ecosystem, tailored to dry circumstances, thrives on this atmosphere. Nonetheless, low rainfall also can pressure water assets, highlighting the significance of conservation efforts. The sensible implications for guests are substantial. Out of doors actions not often face disruption from rain, enhancing alternatives for sightseeing, mountaineering, and having fun with the area’s quite a few seashores and parks. This dryness additionally contributes to the clear skies and considerable sunshine that characterize San Diego winters, additional enhancing its attraction as a winter vacation spot. For instance, occasions just like the Farmers Insurance coverage Open golf match, held yearly in January, typically profit from these dry, sunny circumstances.
In conclusion, low rainfall is a defining component of San Diego’s January climate. Its affect shapes the panorama, impacts water assets, and offers ample alternatives for out of doors recreation. Understanding this attribute dryness permits guests to arrange appropriately, maximizing their enjoyment of the area’s distinctive local weather and sights. Whereas periodic drought circumstances can current challenges, low rainfall stays a cornerstone of San Diego’s January climate profile.
3. Sunny Days
Plentiful sunshine is a defining function of San Diego’s January climate and intricately linked to the area’s total local weather profile. The prevalence of sunny days stems from a mix of things, together with the area’s semi-arid local weather, the affect of high-pressure methods that suppress cloud formation, and the low rainfall typical of this time of 12 months. These circumstances coalesce to create a local weather characterised by clear skies and prolonged intervals of sunshine, averaging round seven hours per day. This abundance of daylight considerably influences common temperatures, holding them delicate and contributing to the general pleasantness of January climate. The excessive incidence of sunny days enhances out of doors visibility, making it perfect for sightseeing and appreciating the area’s scenic magnificence. As an example, clear skies present optimum circumstances for viewing the sundown over the Pacific Ocean, a preferred exercise for residents and guests alike.
The sensible implications of frequent sunny days are substantial. They create favorable circumstances for a variety of out of doors pursuits, from mountaineering and biking to water sports activities and easily stress-free on the seaside. The sunshine additionally contributes to the area’s vibrant out of doors tradition, encouraging energetic life and offering ample alternatives for recreation. Moreover, the psychological advantages of sunshine are well-documented, selling optimistic moods and total well-being. Nonetheless, the extreme daylight additionally necessitates precautions towards sunburn and necessitates applicable solar safety measures. The provision of sunshine for photo voltaic power era represents a major renewable power useful resource, contributing to the area’s sustainability efforts. For instance, quite a few residential and business buildings in San Diego make the most of photo voltaic panels to harness this considerable useful resource.
In abstract, sunny days are integral to San Diego’s January climate, shaping its local weather, influencing out of doors actions, and impacting total well-being. This attribute sunshine contributes considerably to the area’s attraction as a winter vacation spot and performs an important position in its distinctive character. Whereas necessitating wise solar safety, the prevalence of sunny days stays a defining function of San Diego’s January climate, providing a precious useful resource and enhancing the standard of life for residents and guests. Understanding this connection between sunshine and the general climate sample offers precious context for appreciating the nuances of San Diego’s January local weather.
4. Coastal Breezes
Coastal breezes play an important position in shaping San Diego’s January climate. These breezes, pushed by temperature variations between the cooler ocean and the hotter land, average temperature extremes and contribute to the area’s attribute delicate winters. Throughout the day, because the land heats up, cooler air flows from the ocean in the direction of the shore, making a refreshing onshore breeze. This onshore circulation helps to maintain daytime temperatures from rising excessively, even in periods of robust sunshine. Conversely, at evening, the land cools sooner than the ocean, leading to a reversal of airflow. The cooler land air flows in the direction of the hotter ocean, creating a mild offshore breeze. This cycle of onshore and offshore breezes acts as a pure thermostat, regulating temperatures and contributing to the general snug local weather skilled in San Diego throughout January.
The affect of coastal breezes extends past mere temperature moderation. In addition they influence humidity ranges, air high quality, and even native fog formation. The onshore circulation brings moist ocean air inland, moderating humidity and stopping extreme dryness. This airflow additionally helps to disperse pollution, contributing to higher air high quality alongside the coast. Moreover, beneath particular circumstances, the interplay of cool, moist marine air with hotter, drier land air can result in the formation of low-lying coastal fog, significantly in the course of the early morning hours. This fog, although typically short-lived, provides a singular dimension to the coastal panorama and might influence visibility. For instance, morning fog can generally have an effect on actions like boating or coastal driving, requiring warning and applicable security measures.
In abstract, coastal breezes are an integral element of San Diego’s January climate. They average temperature extremes, affect humidity and air high quality, and contribute to the formation of coastal fog. Understanding the dynamics of those breezes offers precious insights into the area’s distinctive local weather and its affect on every day climate patterns. This understanding allows residents and guests to anticipate climate modifications, plan out of doors actions accordingly, and recognize the delicate interaction of land and sea that shapes San Diego’s January climate expertise. Recognizing the affect of coastal breezes offers a deeper appreciation for the complicated components that contribute to the area’s famend delicate and nice winter local weather.
5. Occasional Storms
Occasional storms symbolize a noteworthy, albeit rare, facet of San Diego’s January climate. Whereas usually characterised by delicate, dry circumstances, the area stays prone to periodic storm methods, primarily originating from the Pacific Ocean. These storms, typically related to atmospheric rivers or low-pressure methods shifting southward from the north, can deliver vital precipitation, robust winds, and cooler temperatures. The frequency and depth of those storms fluctuate significantly from 12 months to 12 months, influencing total rainfall totals and infrequently disrupting typical January climate patterns. Understanding the potential for these occasional storms offers essential context for precisely characterizing San Diego’s January local weather. For instance, a very robust storm in January 2010 introduced file rainfall and brought about widespread flooding all through the area, highlighting the potential influence of those occasions. These storms, although rare, contribute to the general hydrological cycle, replenishing reservoirs and impacting native ecosystems. The rainfall related to these storms performs an important position in sustaining the area’s water assets and supporting the attribute chaparral vegetation.
The sensible implications of occasional storms in San Diego throughout January are multifaceted. Whereas usually short-lived, these storms can disrupt journey plans, out of doors actions, and even every day commutes. Heavy rainfall can result in localized flooding, significantly in low-lying areas and close to coastal areas. Robust winds related to these storms can create hazardous circumstances for boating and different water actions. Moreover, the inflow of cooler air accompanying these storms may cause a noticeable drop in temperatures, requiring changes in clothes and out of doors exercise selections. Nonetheless, these storms additionally deliver much-needed precipitation to a area typically characterised by dry circumstances. The replenishment of water assets following a major storm occasion holds substantial implications for water administration and drought mitigation efforts. As an example, the rainfall from a single robust storm can considerably enhance reservoir ranges, assuaging water shortages and supporting agricultural actions.
In abstract, occasional storms represent an vital, albeit unpredictable, element of San Diego’s January climate. Their incidence, although rare, can considerably influence the area’s hydrological cycle, disrupt typical climate patterns, and affect numerous elements of every day life. Recognizing the potential for these storms and understanding their traits permits for higher preparedness, knowledgeable decision-making, and a extra complete understanding of San Diego’s complicated January local weather. Whereas delicate, dry circumstances usually prevail, the opportunity of occasional storms provides a layer of complexity and reinforces the significance of monitoring climate forecasts and adapting to altering circumstances. This consciousness permits residents and guests to understand the dynamic nature of San Diego’s climate and navigate the occasional challenges posed by these rare however impactful storm occasions.
6. Dry Air
Dry air is a distinguished attribute of San Diego’s January climate, considerably influencing the general local weather expertise. This aridity stems from a number of interacting components. The area’s location inside a Mediterranean local weather zone, characterised by dry summers and delicate, moist winters, contributes to decrease humidity ranges. Moreover, prevailing high-pressure methods throughout January typically suppress the formation of clouds and precipitation, additional lowering atmospheric moisture. The Santa Ana winds, originating from the inland deserts, can exacerbate dryness by bringing sizzling, dry air in the direction of the coast. This mix of geographical and meteorological components leads to the attribute dry air prevalent all through San Diego in January. This dryness influences numerous elements of the atmosphere, from vegetation and wildfire danger to human consolation and well being. As an example, the dry circumstances contribute to the prevalence of drought-tolerant chaparral vegetation within the area and improve the chance of wildfires, significantly in periods of robust Santa Ana winds. Understanding the causes and implications of dry air is essential for comprehending the nuances of San Diego’s January climate.
The sensible implications of dry air in San Diego throughout January are substantial. Decrease humidity ranges can result in elevated evaporation, requiring higher consideration to hydration. Dry pores and skin and respiratory points also can develop into extra prevalent, necessitating preventative measures. The dry air additionally influences out of doors consolation, typically making temperatures really feel cooler than the precise studying. Moreover, the lowered humidity can influence visibility, significantly in inland valleys, and contribute to static electrical energy. Nonetheless, the dry air additionally has some benefits. It might make out of doors actions extra snug by lowering the notion of warmth and humidity. The clear skies related to dry air present glorious visibility for stargazing and appreciating the area’s scenic magnificence. For instance, the clear, dry circumstances in January typically present optimum viewing alternatives for astronomical occasions, equivalent to meteor showers. Recognizing the implications of dry air permits for higher preparation and knowledgeable decision-making concerning out of doors actions, well being precautions, and total consolation.
In abstract, dry air is a defining function of San Diego’s January climate, stemming from a confluence of geographical and meteorological components. Its affect extends to numerous elements of the atmosphere, human well being, and total consolation. Whereas presenting some challenges, the dry air additionally contributes to the area’s distinctive local weather and offers sure benefits. Understanding the causes, results, and sensible implications of dry air offers precious context for navigating San Diego’s January climate and maximizing the enjoyment of this distinctive atmosphere. This information empowers residents and guests alike to understand the complexities of the area’s local weather and adapt successfully to the prevailing dry circumstances.
7. Average Surf
Average surf circumstances are a attribute function of San Diego’s coastal waters throughout January, straight influenced by prevailing climate patterns. Understanding the connection between surf circumstances and the general January climate profile offers precious insights for beachgoers, water sports activities fans, and anybody in search of to interact with the coastal atmosphere. This connection highlights the interaction between atmospheric circumstances, ocean currents, and wave dynamics, shaping the coastal expertise throughout this time of 12 months.
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Wave Top and Frequency
January sometimes sees average wave heights, averaging between three and 5 toes, with occasional bigger swells generated by distant storms. These average waves present favorable circumstances for numerous water actions, together with browsing, bodyboarding, and kayaking. The wave frequency, or the time between successive waves, additionally influences surf circumstances. Average wave frequency permits for extra manageable paddling and wave-catching alternatives. For instance, surfers can extra simply place themselves for incoming waves with out being consistently bombarded by a fast succession of swells. This steadiness of wave top and frequency contributes to the general attraction of San Diego’s seashores throughout January.
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Water Temperature
Water temperatures in January common within the low to mid-60s Fahrenheit (15-18 Celsius). Whereas cooler than the summer time months, these temperatures stay comparatively delicate in comparison with different coastal areas at related latitudes. Wetsuits are sometimes really helpful for prolonged water actions, offering consolation and safety towards the cooler temperatures. This data is essential for planning water-based actions and making certain a protected and gratifying expertise. As an example, understanding the common water temperature permits guests to pack applicable gear and make knowledgeable choices about water immersion instances. This understanding contributes to accountable and knowledgeable engagement with the coastal atmosphere.
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Wind Affect
Wind circumstances considerably influence surf circumstances. Offshore winds, blowing from the land in the direction of the ocean, can groom wave faces, creating cleaner, extra organized swells favored by surfers. Conversely, onshore winds, blowing from the ocean in the direction of the land, are inclined to create choppier, much less predictable surf. Monitoring wind forecasts offers precious insights for assessing surf high quality and planning water actions. For instance, surfers can use wind forecasts to establish optimum instances and places for catching the most effective waves. This consciousness permits for strategic planning and maximizes the enjoyment of coastal actions.
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Tides and Currents
Tides and currents additionally play an important position in shaping surf circumstances. Incoming tides can deliver bigger swells nearer to shore, growing wave top and depth. Outgoing tides can scale back wave dimension and create stronger currents. Understanding tidal patterns is important for protected and efficient navigation of coastal waters. Currents, pushed by numerous components together with tides, wind, and bathymetry, can affect wave route and depth. Consciousness of native present patterns is essential for swimmers, surfers, and different water customers, making certain protected and knowledgeable engagement with the coastal atmosphere. As an example, understanding the route and energy of prevailing currents might help forestall swimmers from being swept away from shore and help surfers in positioning themselves for incoming waves. This information enhances security and promotes accountable coastal recreation.
In conclusion, average surf circumstances in January contribute considerably to San Diego’s coastal attraction. The interaction of wave top, water temperature, wind affect, and tides and currents shapes the general surf expertise, offering alternatives for quite a lot of water actions. Understanding these components permits for knowledgeable decision-making concerning coastal recreation, making certain each security and delight. This consciousness reinforces the connection between climate patterns and coastal circumstances, enriching the expertise of San Diego’s distinctive January atmosphere.
8. Comfy Evenings
Comfy evenings are an indicator of January climate in San Diego, contributing considerably to the area’s attraction as a year-round vacation spot. Whereas daytime temperatures stay delicate, the evenings supply a pleasing respite from the solar’s depth, permitting for continued out of doors enjoyment and shaping the area’s vibrant nightlife. Understanding the components contributing to snug evenings enhances appreciation for San Diego’s distinctive January local weather and its affect on life-style and leisure alternatives.
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Temperature Vary
Night temperatures in January sometimes vary from the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit (7-10 Celsius), providing a refreshing coolness with out the chilliness skilled in lots of different areas throughout winter. This average temperature vary permits for snug out of doors eating, night strolls alongside the seaside, and continued engagement with town’s vibrant nightlife. For instance, out of doors live shows and performances stay viable choices, enriching town’s cultural scene even in the course of the winter months. This snug temperature vary expands the chances for night actions and contributes to San Diego’s energetic life-style.
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Low Humidity
The low humidity attribute of San Diego’s January climate extends into the night hours, enhancing consolation and lowering the notion of coolness. This dry air prevents the dampness and chill typically related to cooler temperatures in different areas. This aridity permits for snug out of doors gatherings and prolonged night actions with out the necessity for heavy clothes. As an example, night bonfires on the seaside develop into gratifying experiences, unhampered by extreme humidity. This dry environment additional contributes to the pleasantness of San Diego evenings.
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Mild Winds
Evenings in January sometimes expertise lighter winds in comparison with daytime hours, additional enhancing out of doors consolation. The lowered wind speeds reduce the chilliness issue and create a extra tranquil environment for night actions. This calmer air enhances the average temperatures and low humidity, creating perfect circumstances for out of doors eating, stargazing, and easily stress-free beneath the clear evening sky. For instance, the calm night air offers perfect circumstances for astronomical observations, permitting for clearer views of celestial objects. This light breeze enhances the general serenity and delight of San Diego evenings.
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Clear Skies
Clear skies typically prevail throughout January evenings, complementing the snug temperatures and low humidity. The absence of cloud cowl enhances visibility, providing beautiful views of the celebs and moon. This clear evening sky provides a contact of magic to night outings, making a tranquil and welcoming environment. As an example, the clear skies present glorious alternatives for evening images, capturing the fantastic thing about the cityscape and shoreline beneath the starry expanse. This celestial backdrop additional enhances the attract and delight of San Diego evenings.
In abstract, snug evenings are an integral a part of San Diego’s January climate, enhancing the area’s attraction and contributing to its vibrant life-style. The mixture of average temperatures, low humidity, mild winds, and clear skies creates perfect circumstances for quite a lot of night actions, from out of doors eating and leisure to stargazing and easily having fun with the tranquil environment. This attribute of San Diego’s January climate underscores its repute as a fascinating vacation spot year-round, providing a various vary of experiences and contributing to a top quality of life. Understanding the interaction of those components offers a deeper appreciation for the nuances of San Diego’s January local weather and its influence on night actions and total enjoyment.
Continuously Requested Questions on San Diego Climate in January
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning San Diego’s January climate, offering concise and informative responses to facilitate knowledgeable decision-making and improve understanding of the area’s local weather.
Query 1: Does it snow in San Diego in January?
Snow in San Diego throughout January is exceedingly uncommon. The area’s coastal location and delicate temperatures sometimes preclude snowfall, besides within the highest mountain peaks positioned properly inland from town.
Query 2: What’s the common ocean temperature in San Diego in January?
Ocean temperatures in January common between 58 and 62 levels Fahrenheit (14-17 levels Celsius). Whereas cooler than the summer time months, these temperatures stay comparatively delicate for Pacific coastal waters.
Query 3: How typically does it rain in San Diego in January?
Rainfall in San Diego throughout January is rare. Whereas measurable precipitation happens on common 5 to seven days all through the month, complete rainfall quantities stay comparatively low, averaging round two inches.
Query 4: What kind of clothes is really helpful for San Diego in January?
Layered clothes is really helpful for San Diego in January. Comfy daytime apparel would possibly embrace long-sleeved shirts, mild sweaters, and jackets. Night temperatures can drop, necessitating hotter layers equivalent to sweaters or mild coats.
Query 5: Are there any particular weather-related occasions to pay attention to in January?
Whereas not a assured annual incidence, king tides, exceptionally excessive tides, can happen in January, doubtlessly inflicting coastal flooding in low-lying areas. Monitoring tide charts is advisable for coastal actions throughout this era.
Query 6: What are the everyday humidity ranges in San Diego in January?
San Diego experiences comparatively low humidity in January, sometimes ranging between 40% and 60%. This dry air contributes to the general mildness of the climate however also can necessitate elevated hydration.
Understanding these frequent inquiries and their corresponding solutions offers a extra complete understanding of San Diego’s January climate and facilitates knowledgeable planning for journey and actions.
The next part delves into sensible suggestions for guests in search of to expertise San Diego in January, providing suggestions for clothes, actions, and maximizing enjoyment of the area’s distinctive local weather.
Ideas for Navigating San Diego Climate in January
Cautious consideration of prevailing climate circumstances enhances customer experiences. The next suggestions supply sensible steering for navigating San Diego’s January local weather and maximizing enjoyment of the area’s numerous sights.
Tip 1: Pack Layers: Layering clothes accommodates fluctuating temperatures between daytime heat and cooler evenings. Mild jackets, sweaters, and long-sleeved shirts present adaptability.
Tip 2: Monitor Surf Reviews: Consulting surf studies earlier than partaking in water actions ensures consciousness of present circumstances and potential hazards. Understanding wave top, water temperature, and currents promotes security.
Tip 3: Keep Hydrated: Dry air necessitates elevated fluid consumption. Carrying a water bottle and consuming repeatedly prevents dehydration, significantly throughout out of doors actions.
Tip 4: Make the most of Sunscreen: Plentiful sunshine, even throughout winter months, necessitates solar safety. Making use of sunscreen repeatedly, even on cloudy days, minimizes sunburn danger.
Tip 5: Test Tide Charts: Consciousness of tidal patterns informs coastal exploration and actions. Excessive tides can prohibit seaside entry, whereas low tides reveal tide swimming pools teeming with marine life.
Tip 6: Put together for Occasional Rain: Whereas rare, rainfall can happen. Packing a light-weight rain jacket or umbrella ensures preparedness for sudden showers.
Tip 7: Take into account Microclimates: San Diego experiences numerous microclimates. Coastal areas are usually cooler and extra humid than inland valleys. Dressing accordingly enhances consolation.
Tip 8: Ebook Lodging in Advance: Whereas January is mostly much less crowded than peak season, reserving lodging and excursions prematurely secures most well-liked choices and avoids potential limitations.
Implementing these methods ensures snug and knowledgeable engagement with San Diego’s January climate, maximizing enjoyment of the area’s numerous sights and minimizing potential disruptions.
The next part concludes this exploration of San Diego’s January climate, summarizing key takeaways and reinforcing the area’s attraction as a winter vacation spot.
Understanding San Diego Climate in January
San Diego’s January climate presents a singular mix of delicate temperatures, low rainfall, and considerable sunshine. This mix creates a good local weather for out of doors actions, contributing to the area’s attraction as a year-round vacation spot. Whereas occasional storms and coastal breezes introduce variability, the prevailing circumstances supply a pleasing distinction to harsher winter climates skilled elsewhere. Understanding the interaction of those factorstemperature fluctuations, precipitation patterns, coastal breezes, and occasional stormsprovides a complete perspective on the area’s January local weather. This information empowers knowledgeable decision-making concerning journey plans, clothes selections, and exercise choices, maximizing customer enjoyment and minimizing potential disruptions.
The attribute climate patterns of January form San Diego’s panorama, affect its tradition, and contribute to its desirability as a spot to reside and go to. Recognizing the nuances of this local weather permits for a deeper appreciation of the area’s distinctive character and the varied experiences it affords. Additional investigation into historic climate information and long-term local weather tendencies can present precious insights for future planning and useful resource administration. In the end, a complete understanding of San Diego’s January climate enhances one’s skill to interact with and recognize this dynamic coastal atmosphere.
