¡Buenos dias! The next surge of north wind has arrived, as an Oceansat satellite pass around midnight measured widespread 15 knot winds over the Sea of Cortez to the east of Cerralvo. The latest numerical model forecasts are in good agreement that surface high pressure centered over Oregon this morning will move into northern Utah on Tuesday then remain nearly stationary through Thursday. As a result, the surface pressure gradient will remain fairly tight over BCS with solid north background flow expected. Some relatively thin, high clouds will begin to filter into our region on Wednesday and last into next weekend, but at this point it looks like we will see enough filtered sunshine to trigger our local thermal each day. Models show the surface high over Utah weakening on Friday, but a ridge of high pressure is forecast to form over the northern Baja Peninsula and keep ample north flow in the forecast Friday and Saturday. Long-range models are in good agreement that Pacific high pressure will build into the western U.S. on Sunday, with norte conditions possible here.
Today…Sunny. North wind 20-24 mph.
Tuesday…Sunny. North wind 20-24 mph.
Wednesday…Mostly sunny. North wind 16-20 mph.
Thursday…Mostly sunny. North wind 16-20 mph.
Friday…Mostly sunny. North wind 16-18 mph.
Saturday…Mostly sunny. North wind 16-18 mph.
Sunday…Mostly sunny. North wind 22-26 mph and gusty.
¡Buenos dias! Sustained winds yesterday (see nerd note below) peaked at around 20 mph, but a couple of satellite passes late last evening measured only light west winds over the Sea of Cortez east of Cerralvo. Today’s forecast is very low confidence, as most of the model forecasts show the background flow will be near or below the threshold that typically will trigger our wind machine. There is a glimmer of hope that we may see a couple of hours of marginal wind during the late afternoon, but chances are slim. Model forecasts are in excellent agreement that strong surface high pressure from the eastern Pacific will build into the interior west of the U.S. on Monday and push a new surge of north wind down the Sea of Cortez. The surface high is then forecast to remain nearly stationary through Thursday, with solid north background flow continuing here. Long-range model forecasts are in good agreement that while the surface high over the western U.S. will break down next Friday, a weak ridge of high pressure will form over the northern Baja Peninsula and give us just enough north flow to help trigger our wind machine through Saturday. The wild card for next week will begin on Wednesday, as models show increasing high clouds over BCS, but at this point it looks like enough filtered sun will make it through to trigger our local thermal each day.
Today…Sunny. Northeast wind 10-12 mph.
Monday…Sunny. North wind 20-24 mph.
Tuesday…Sunny. North wind 20-24 mph.
Wednesday…Mostly sunny. North wind 16-20 mph.
Thursday…Mostly sunny. North wind 16-20 mph.
Friday…Mostly sunny. North wind 16-18 mph.
Saturday…Mostly sunny. North wind 16-18 mph.
Nerd Note: Sustained winds yesterday peaked at around 20 mph, but graphs from Weather Underground showed a very different day for the northern beaches versus the southern beaches. As a side note…sustained winds from Weather Underground tend to be 3-4 mph high on average as compared to this plot that I use for verification at the campground laventanaweather.com/mbsmart/
That said, looking at the plots from Rasta Beach (first graph) and the campground (second graph) show a very different day, as the sawtooth pattern at Rasta shows a very gusty, holey day (personally verified!!) while at the campground winds settled into a fairly steady pattern during the afternoon. A wind forecast plot from the HRRR model yesterday may explain why the two sites varied so drastically in wind quality. Note that the wind direction near and just north of Rasta was due north or even had a bit of west in it up towards Punta Gorda, while the winds to the south were more 15 to 20 degrees…NNE… (both directions verified at the respective sites). The north to NNW wind at the northern beaches was likely partially shadowed by nearby bluffs, while the NNE winds at the southern beaches were unobstructed from the bay.
¡Buenos dias! Several wind gauges yesterday measured wind gusts into the mid 30s, and in true norte form the gusty winds lasted through the night. An Oceansat satellite pass around midnight showed the broad extent of the norte and measured NNW winds of 20-25 knots over the entire southern Sea of Cortez. Strong surface high pressure was centered over Chihuahua early this morning with a ridge extending westward over the northern Baja Peninsula. All of the latest numerical model forecasts show the surface high weakening this afternoon, so we should see norte conditions subside later today. Models are in good agreement that the surface pressure gradient will continue to weaken tonight, and some even show the background flow falling below the threshold for fully activating our wind machine. For now, it looks more likely that there will still be enough north flow to give us a rideable day tomorrow. Surface high pressure is once again forecast to build into the interior west of the U.S. on Monday and send a fresh surge of north flow into the Sea of Cortez. Solid north background flow will likely last through at least Thursday, and with only some thin, high clouds expected from time to time, we should see a good thermal boost each day. At this point long-range model forecasts show just enough north flow will remain on Friday to extend our windy streak.
¡Buenos dias! A partial pass by one of the ASCAT satellites last evening showed the leading edge of the norte was near Mulege, and infrared satellite loops (see nerd note below) early this morning showed low clouds moving rapidly southward near Loreto. All of the most recent model forecasts show the norte reaching us by midday, with winds becoming strong and gusty this afternoon. The norte will subside on Saturday, but the surface pressure gradient will remain relatively tight and with full sunshine expected we will see another windy afternoon. The models are in relatively good agreement that surface high pressure will generally remain in control over the western U.S. over the next week, with ample north background flow in our region. While there will be some day-to-day fluctuations in wind speed, we should see rideable winds through Thursday.
Today…Mostly sunny. North wind 22-26 mph and gusty.
Saturday…Sunny. North wind 20-24 mph.
Sunday…Sunny. North wind 16-20 mph.
Monday…Mostly sunny. North wind 20-24 mph.
Tuesday…Mostly sunny. North wind 18-22 mph.
Wednesday…Sunny. North wind 16-20 mph.
Thursday…Sunny. North wind 16-20 mph.
Nerd Note: Weather satellites detect various frequencies of radiation emitted from the earth, and specific frequency ranges are used to help detect things such as clouds, fog, dust, smoke, and even fires. The tragic wildfires in Los Angeles over the past several days have been detected by numerous satellites, and below is an image from yesterday of channel 1 of one of the GOES satellites. This channel which detects radiation of 0.7 micrometers…or less than one millionth of a meter…is used to image smoke and dust. Note the enormous smoke plume from the LA fires. Note also the huge dust cloud over the northeastern Baja Peninsula…this is the leading edge of the norte which will reach us today.
¡Buenos dias! WNW winds of 15-20 knots were measured east of Cerralvo by an Oceansat satellite pass late last evening as broad-scale westerly flow continued around a surface low pressure system centered just northeast of Culiacan. Model forecasts are in good agreement that as the surface low moves eastward into Zacatecas this afternoon, surface high pressure from the Pacific will build into BCS and our winds will veer from WNW to N by mid afternoon. Infrared satellite loops early this morning showed a few thin, high clouds to our south, but we should see ample sunshine to trigger our local thermal and give us a good afternoon boost. The latest model forecasts show that strong surface high pressure centered over northern Idaho this morning will build rapidly southeastward into the southwestern U.S. by Friday morning with norte conditions developing here. The norte will likely subside on Saturday, but models show solid north background flow should continue through at least Monday. There may be some thicker high clouds on Monday and that could partially dampen our thermal, but otherwise we should see plenty of sunshine each day. Long-range models disagree on the strength of the north flow Tuesday and Wednesday, but the majority show solid north background flow should last into the middle of next week.
¡Buenos dias! No near real-time satellite wind observations were available this morning, but the latest forecast model runs all show west to southwest flow today. Surface low pressure centered just east of the Bahia de los Angeles this morning will move southeastward into Durango by Thursday morning, and this will allow eastern Pacific high pressure to build into the Baja Peninsula, with north…northwest background flow returning here. Strong surface high pressure centered near the Canadian border on Thursday is forecast to move rapidly southeastward into the southwestern U.S. on Friday, and this will significantly tighten the surface pressure gradient over BCS with norte conditions likely here. The norte will subside a bit on Saturday, but solid north background flow will continue and with sunny skies expected, it should be a windy afternoon. Models show a few high clouds will begin to stream into our region on Sunday, but we will likely see ample sun, and with solid north background flow continuing, another windy day looks likely. At this point Monday looks to be a wild card, as long-range model forecasts show substantial high clouds will move in from the southwest and substantially dampen our local thermal. Clouds should thin on Tuesday and allow our local thermal to once again work its magic.
Today…Mostly sunny, then becoming mostly cloudy with a few sprinkles possible this afternoon. West, southwest wind 12-14 mph.
Under a sheltering tree sits Renaissance Coffee Box, where a metal box has transformed into a cozy new gathering place, adding another delightful option to this quirky little town’s vibrant coffee scene. Since December 2023, this welcoming nook has been serving delicious specialty coffee. The story of Renaissance started with a chance meeting at a coffee shop two years ago, when life took Carlos and Alex in different directions – Carlos with his coffee mastery and Alex crafting travel experiences in Denver. But in that classic La Ventana way where everyone somehow finds their way back, they reconnected when Carlos was putting his coffee dreams into action.
When he shared his vision for Renaissance Coffee Box (a dream sparked by a school exchange program that showed him Baja Sur would be his future home), Alex didn’t just see a business opportunity – he saw something special. He joined the venture, bringing his expertise in travel and experience planning, and somewhere between the planning and the pouring, their business partnership blossomed into a love story.
Carlos is someone who brings together serious professional barista expertise with generations of coffee knowledge from his Mayan family in San Cristóbal, Chiapas. He designed their space the way most good things happen in La Ventana – by working with what nature gave them. They built around the existing tree instead of removing it, creating a natural gathering spot where every other Sunday, the café transforms into an “Après Kite” pop-up. Picture folks gathering over house-made plant milks, innovative non-alcoholic elixirs, and meticulously crafted coffee drinks. It’s become the kind of place where community happens naturally and that’s largely thanks to Alex’s vision to create meaningful experiences.
Between pours, Carlos and Alex converse with friends, while their coffee-colored dog Maple welcomes everyone who stops by. Here, you’ll find more than just your morning brew – you’ll discover a space where passion meets purpose, and where two dreamers are building something authentic in a town that embraces the unexpected.
Hours: Everyday 7-1 (Except Tuesday), Sunday special hours 7-4
Location: Across from the gas station and Oxxo (just look for the metal box with the big tree)
Carlos & Alex
Spanish
Bajo un árbol protegido se encuentra Renaissance Coffee Box ☕ : una caja metálica que se ha transformado en un nuevo y acogedor lugar de reunión, añadiendo otra deliciosa opción a la vibrante escena cafetera de esta pequeña y peculiar ciudad.
Desde diciembre de 2023, este acogedor rincón sirve algo más que café de especialidad, aunque hablemos del café por un momento. Cuando conoces a Carlos, estás conociendo a alguien que reúne una seria experiencia profesional como barista con generaciones de conocimiento del café de su familia maya en San Cristóbal, Chiapas.
La historia de Renacimiento comenzó con un encuentro casual en una cafetería hace dos años, cuando la vida llevó a Carlos y Alex en diferentes direcciones – Carlos con su maestría en el café y Alex creando experiencias de viaje en Denver. Pero en esa forma clásica de La Ventana en la que todo el mundo encuentra de alguna manera su camino de vuelta, se volvieron a conectar cuando Carlos estaba poniendo sus sueños de café en acción. Cuando compartió su visión de Renaissance Coffee Box (un sueño despertado por un programa de intercambio escolar que le mostró que Baja Sur sería su futuro hogar), Alex no sólo vio una oportunidad de negocio – vio algo especial. Se unió a la aventura, aportando su experiencia en la creación de experiencias significativas, y en algún lugar entre la planificación y el vertido, su asociación empresarial floreció en una historia de amor.
Carlos diseñó su espacio como la mayoría de las cosas buenas ocurren en La Ventana: trabajando con lo que la naturaleza les ofrecía. Construyeron alrededor del árbol existente en lugar de quitarlo, creando un punto de encuentro natural donde cada dos domingos, el café se transforma en un «Après Kite» pop-up. Imagínate a gente polvorienta reunida en torno a leches vegetales caseras, innovadores elixires sin alcohol y bebidas de café meticulosamente elaboradas. Se ha convertido en el tipo de lugar donde la comunidad surge de forma natural.
Entre cafés y conversaciones, Carlos y Alex atisban ballenas que saltan y rayas que se elevan, mientras su perro Maple, de color café, da la bienvenida a todo el que pasa por allí. Aquí encontrará algo más que su cerveza matutina: descubrirá un espacio donde la pasión se une al propósito, donde una caja metálica se ha convertido en un lugar de reunión y donde dos soñadores están construyendo algo auténtico en una ciudad que acoge lo inesperado.
Horario: Todos los días de 7 a 1 (excepto los martes), domingos en horario especial de 7 a 4.
Ubicación: Frente a la gasolinera y Oxxo (busca la caja metálica con el gran árbol)
¡Buenos dias! An Oceansat satellite pass late last evening measured NNW winds at 10 knots over the Sea of Cortez just east of Cerralvo, and all of the new model forecasts show the background flow will continue to rapidly diminish this morning, with only light onshore breezes developing this afternoon. Wednesday looks to be another down day as a weak surface low pressure system moves slowly southeastward over the Sea of Cortez and our background flow becomes westerly. Models are in good agreement that as the low moves eastward on Thursday, our winds will become northwest then north, and with sunny skies expected, we should see a windy afternoon. Strong surface high pressure over the interior west of the U.S. is then forecast to build rapidly southeastward into the 4-corners region on Friday, with norte conditions developing here. The norte should slowly subside on Friday, but long-range model forecasts show a relatively tight surface pressure gradient remaining over BCS through the upcoming weekend and into next week, with ample north background flow.
¡Buenos dias! Wind-measuring satellite passes missed our portion of the Sea of Cortez last evening, but all of the most recent model forecasts show solid north background flow will continue today. Infrared satellite loops showed another sunny day ahead for BCS, so we will likely see our local thermal give us an added boost. North flow will rapidly subside tonight as a strong mid to upper-level storm system drops down over the Baja Peninsula on Tuesday. The surface reflection of this system here will be to create a very weak pressure gradient and we will likely only see a light onshore breeze on Tuesday. Broad-scale westerly flow around the low on Wednesday will produce light and variable winds here in the lee of the Cacachilas Mountains, with west to northwest winds offshore. Some of the forecast models are now suggesting a return of north flow on Thursday, but confidence is relatively low at this point. Models are in good agreement that surface high pressure centered near the Canadian border on Thursday will move rapidly south…southeastward into the southwestern U.S. on Friday, dramatically tightening the surface pressure gradient here. Low-end norte conditions are possible on Friday into Saturday, with solid north flow lasting through next weekend.
Today…Sunny. North wind 18-22 mph.
Tuesday…Mostly sunny. East wind 8-10 mph.
Wednesday…Mostly sunny. Light and variable winds.
Thursday…Sunny. Northwest to north wind 14-16 mph.
¡Buenos dias! An Oceansat satellite pass late last evening measured light and variable winds across the southern Sea of Cortez just east of Cerralvo, but it showed the leading edge of a new push of north flow had made it as far south as Mulege. Model forecasts agree that north background flow will increase here this morning, and with sunny skies expected, we will likely see a windy afternoon. Monday looks to be another windy day, as solid north flow and lots of sunshine continue. Things will change significantly on Tuesday as a strong mid to upper-level low pressure system dives into the Baja Peninsula, then tracks slowly eastward over our region on Wednesday. The large scale flow around this system will produce west background flow in our area, so we will likely see a couple of down days Tuesday and Wednesday. As the system moves eastward on Thursday, surface high pressure will begin to build back into the Baja Peninsula, but there still may be a significant west component to the wind. Model forecasts are in good agreement that solid north flow will return on Friday and continue into Saturday.
