THE HARBOR COLUMN:

The weather has been perfect and the seas have been extraordinary flat, but looks like the conditions will change for this weekend.

A storm system has moved into the area that should bring precipitation with a chance of thunderstorms. The seas are beginning to build. We have to remember that it is the middle of winter season in Southern California, yet my flowers do not know whether to bloom or go dormant with the recent unseasonably warm weather. I feel for those in the northern and easterly states who are experiencing the freezing conditions and ice storms.

NOAA has improved its Internet-based weather and sea condition reports. Now titled “Experimental Marine Point Forecast,” the updated site allows you pick an actual spot on the map for detailed information.

When you go to www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox, you are first shown a map with zones for Los Angeles area (there are zones for every area along the Pacific Coast) with color codes to the conditions.

Then you can select a zone, whether on sea or land, for more detailed data.

The detailed data will show about four days for forecasted weather graphically with a narrative description below.

However, the best new feature is that you can now select on the side graphic a specific area for more precise information since zones can be rather large over a diverse geographical area.

Lastly, at the bottom of each page is a real time display of the radar and satellite images that you can click on for a bigger view.

Kudos to NOAA for providing very good weather and sea condition information in multiple formats. Now, NOAA should incorporate the weather station buoys into their zones which I still have to go to, such as www.lajollasurf.org/ buoylist.html.

Tip of the week is to help save the California Department of Boating and Waterways by writing or e-mailing Gov. Schwarzenegger to reject the proposal to merge Cal Boating with Parks and Recreation. The boaters are the ones who are going to lose in this deal as Cal Boating’s dedicated fund source will be diverted from boating to other areas. You can contact Jerry Desmond, Jr., RBOC Director of Government Affairs at for additional information

Remember to tune in every Saturday at 11 a.m. to “Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show” broadcasting from our studios inside Angel Stadium on KLAA-AM (830).

Safe voyages.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to [email protected] or go to www.boathousetv.com.