saner temperatures

Or is that "more sane?" Anyway, it looks like that cooldown I was mentioning in earlier posts will still occur, but not as cool as previously thought. Still, temps will be near normal for the next few days. Currently in Chico it's 98 degrees; yesterday it was 101 at this time. So it's already begun to cool off a little. The Delta breeze will be responsible for the cooler temps. The Delta breeze is a weather phenomenon in which winds from the south help transport cooler marine air from the Delta region to our south (basically where the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers meet and flow into the San Francisco Bay, and, eventually, the Pacific Ocean) into the central and northern Sacramento Valley. When we get winds from the north during the summer (and the winter, for that matter), it is a downsloping wind. Air flow comes down from the mountains to our north and west, compressing and warming the air. A north/ northwesterly wind can raise temps by as much as 15-20 degrees above normal, while simultaneously dropping humidity levels to the single digits. During the winter, a northerly wind can be nice, especially after many days of fog and chilly temps. In the summer, though, a northerly wind can make it feel like a dry sauna. Interestingly, a southerly wind, while cooling us off in the summer, can also transport air pollution from Sacramento and the Bay area right up the Sacramento Valley. Haze and unhealthy air often results. A northerly wind, however, clears out the air and raises visibilities to 100 miles. So, there are tradeoffs with both wind directions. Now that I've given you a lesson on wind patterns in Northern California, here is the detailed seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 62. North northwest wind between 3 and 7 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 8 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Southeast wind between 3 and 8 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Light and variable wind.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. South southeast wind around 6 mph becoming north.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 61.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 93.

Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 63.

Independence Day: Sunny, with a high near 95.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 63.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 91.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 62.

Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

hot as a firecracker for the Fourth of July?

I know, it's a tired cliche, but I couldn't help myself. It may be as hot as a firecracker on Independence Day, but let's get through this work week first. High pressure remains anchored over the West, and that will continue the triple digit heat for the next couple of days. Yesterday wasn't quite as hot in Chico as predicted, but it still managed to reach 101 degrees under sunny skies. I don't think there was a single cloud in the sky yesterday, which shows how strong this high pressure ridge is. High pressure is, of course, sinking air, and that suppresses any cloud development. To me, the fewer the clouds in the sky, the stronger the high pressure. Anyway, this ridge of high pressure relaxes its grip by the middle of the week, as highs dip into the upper 80s/lower 90s through the early part of the holiday weekend. However, another high pressure ridge takes hold by the latter half of the weekend, causing temps to soar above 100 degrees again for the Fourth. Again, all I can say is to be careful when celebrating outdoors this weekend. It not only will be hot, but also very dry. Don't start any fires with firecrackers. I live just outside of Chico in the Sierra foothills, and I love to sit on my back porch and watch the fireworks displays in Chico. Many people, in fact, drive up Highway 32 into the foothills, find a parking spot at one of the scenic turnabouts, and watch the fireworks down below. It's really cool! Here's the latest forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. Northwest wind between 3 and 6 mph.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 65. Calm wind becoming north between 6 and 9 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. North wind between 4 and 7 mph becoming calm.

Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 63. South southeast wind between 10 and 13 mph becoming light.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 88.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 60.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 60.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 90.

Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 61.

Independence Day: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.

hot

Remember yesterday, when I wondered if today's forecast high temperature should be revised upward? Well, the National Weather Service has done just that- expect a high of around 106 degrees today in Chico. In addition, the NWS has added another day to the heat wave- extending it into Tuesday. Don't fret too much if you hate the heat (like I do). It is still anticipated to cool off by mid week next week, back into the 80s. Overnight lows will drop into the 60s under clear skies and calm winds. Let's see if we hit the forecast high today. Here are the hot details for Chico from the NWS:

Today: Sunny and hot, with a high near 106. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 70. South southwest wind at 6 mph becoming north.

Monday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. North northwest wind between 5 and 7 mph.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 69. Calm wind becoming north between 5 and 8 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. North wind around 6 mph becoming west.

Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 62.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 88.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 61.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 88.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 61.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 92.

the heat is on (for a little while)

Currently the temperature is 83 degrees in Chico at just after 10 am. It's not anticipated to be quite as hot the next few days as previously forecast, but still expect triple digit heat for tomorrow. Today and Monday call for highs in the upper 90s. These forecast highs are about ten degrees above average. If outdoors, drink plenty of water and seek shade as much as you are able. Again, DO NOT seek relief in a creek or stream as the water temperature is only in the 50s. The current in some streams is still running fast due to recent mountain snowmelt, so that is another deterrent in jumping into the water for some quick relief. By Tuesday of next week, temps should be closer to normal, and Wednesday looks almost chilly in comparison to tomorrow's expected highs. Here are the details for Chico from the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Northwest wind between 6 and 8 mph.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 69. North northwest wind between 5 and 7 mph.

Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Light and variable wind.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 70. South wind at 6 mph becoming north.

Monday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Light and variable wind.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 65.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 93.

Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 59.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 84.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 60.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 90.

***UPDATE***
As of 4pm today, the temperature in Chico was 103 degrees. This marks the first triple digit reading for Chico this calendar year (and this summer). The forecast was for 98 degrees. Should tomorrow's forecast high be revised upward, as well?

awaiting the heat

The forecast still calls for the heat to really crank up in the Sacramento Valley this weekend into Monday. Highs will range from the upper 90s to around 105 degrees in the hottest locations. Again, the heat wave is not expected to last beyond Monday, as the ridge of high pressure that will be responsible for this weekend's heat moves east into the Great Basin. Don't expect much relief once the sun goes down, however. With an increase in humidity, the low temperatures won't get below 70 degrees in the valley, while warmer foothill locations may only see mid to upper 70s for lows Sunday and Monday mornings. This will definitely be our hottest time of the year thus far. I'm still sticking to my forecast of an overall cooler than average summer due to the influence of the Iceland volcano that erupted earlier this spring. I believe the expectation of cooler weather (relatively speaking) next week is indicative that my forecast is proving correct so far. Of course, I'm only an amateur, and I probably don't know what the hell I'm talking about! Here's the detailed forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 64. Calm wind becoming east northeast around 6 mph.

Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming northwest between 5 and 8 mph.

Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. Light and variable wind.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 70. West wind at 5 mph becoming southeast.

Monday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 64.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 82.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 84.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 59.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 86.

Special Weather Statement

From the National Weather Service in Sacramento:

THE FIRST TRIPLE DIGIT READINGS OF THE SEASON WILL BE POSSIBLE
THIS WEEKEND...AS HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS OVER NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
TEMPERATURES WILL WARM SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE REGION ON SATURDAY
AND SUNDAY. ALTHOUGH MOST PLACES WILL WARM INTO THE MID AND UPPER
90S ON SATURDAY...THE NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY MAY POTENTIALLY
BREAK THE 100 DEGREE THRESHOLD THIS DAY. THE REAL WARM UP WILL
OCCUR ON SUNDAY...AS MOST VALLEY LOCATIONS SIZZLE FOR THE FIRST
TIME THIS YEAR.

THESE HOT TEMPERATURES WILL LIKELY DRAW PEOPLE TO AREA WATER WAYS.
THEREFORE...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WOULD LIKE TO REMIND
PEOPLE OF THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF THE COLD WATERS FEEDING NORTHERN
CALIFORNIA LAKES...RIVERS AND STREAMS. ANYONE ENJOYING THE AREA
RIVERS...STREAMS AND LAKES SHOULD TAKE CARE IN AND NEAR THE
WATER...ESPECIALLY WHEN AREA WATERS ARE STILL RUNNING VERY
COLD...FAST...AND HIGH DUE TO SNOW MELT.

WATER TEMPERATURES ARE STILL IN THE MID 50S TO LOWER 60S. IN
THESE COLD WATERS...HYPOTHERMIA CAN SET IN QUICKLY. HYPOTHERMIA IS
A SUDDEN LOSS OF BODY TEMPERATURE THAT CAN BE FATAL. WARNING SIGNS
FOR HYPOTHERMIA INCLUDE UNCONTROLLED SHIVERING...MEMORY
LOSS...DISORIENTATION...INCOHERENCE...SLURRED SPEECH...DROWSINESS
AND APPARENT EXHAUSTION. HYPOTHERMIA CAN OCCUR FASTER IN CHILDREN
THAN IN ADULTS...SO MONITOR CHILDREN CLOSELY FOR SYMPTOMS IF
RECREATING IN AREA WATERS. AREA RIVERS AND STREAMS ARE RUNNING
FAST...SO BE PREPARED FOR STRONG RIVER CURRENTS AS WELL. THE USE
OF LIFE VESTS IS RECOMMENDED DURING WATER RECREATION...ESPECIALLY
FOR CHILDREN.

it's now officially a heat wave

There will be a heat wave this weekend as a large ridge of high pressure builds in over the northstate. Temperatures will soar into the middle 90s on Saturday and into the low 100s for Sunday. That will give us our first 100 degree day this calendar year. It's a little late, but it's been an unusual year, weatherwise. This heatwave will be short-lived (as they love to say on The Weather Channel) as cooler temps (if you want to call upper 80s cooler; I guess it's all relative) arrive by Tuesday. If you have to be outdoors this weekend, wear sunscreen, take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water. Also, keep in mind that, while the water in our area creeks and streams may look inviting, the water temperatures are still running very cold right now. In other words, don't use the nearby creek to cool off- it's still very dangerous. Hypothermia could set in very quickly if you stay in the water too long. Be safe, and enjoy the weekend! Here's the latest seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind between 3 and 7 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. South southeast wind between 10 and 13 mph becoming calm.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 65. South wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east northeast.

Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming northwest between 6 and 9 mph.

Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 70.

Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 103.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 67.

Monday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 93.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

our first heat spell of the year

It won't officially be a "heat wave," in which temperatures are above 95 degrees for three or more days in a row, but it'll be close. Temperatures will get into the upper 90s this weekend before cooling down into the upper 80s by early next week. Until the weekend, temps will hover around 90 degrees with sunny skies. Low temps will be comfortable- around 60 degrees. This morning has been fairly warm and humid (for Chico standards). Humidity levels have ranged between 75-80%, and the low in Chico this morning was only 67 degrees (normal low is around 59). The cloud cover that moved in last evening has stuck around this morning, acting as a blanket and keeping the temps fairly warm. Those clouds should move out by mid-morning, and we will enjoy some sunshine the rest of today. The Chico Outlaws, our beloved semi-professional baseball team, take on Edmonton (Canada) tonight at Nettleton Stadium. Gametime temperatures should be in the mid to upper 80s, then cool into the 70s by the end of the game. Enjoy the day!

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South southeast wind between 5 and 7 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. South southeast wind between 5 and 8 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 89. South southeast wind between 3 and 8 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. South southeast wind between 3 and 7 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 62.

Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 66.

Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 64.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 92.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 88.

typical weather

Happy first day of summer! Yesterday's high temperature in Chico under partly to mostly sunny skies was 84 degrees, about five degrees below the average for this time of year. The current temperature is 91 degrees, and it should stay in the 90s for highs the next few days. There will be some days over the next seven days that will be in the 80s, but overall temps will be at or slightly above averages. This is fairly typical for Chico for late June. Sunshine will be in abundance, as well. Not much else to say about the weather, so I will leave you with the detailed seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. North northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 93. North wind at 7 mph becoming west southwest.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. South wind at 6 mph becoming northeast.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind between 5 and 8 mph.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind between 7 and 11 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 90.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 94.

Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 64.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 94.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 88.

if only summers in Chico were like this one...

The high temperatures the past two days in Chico have been in the mid 80s, which is about five degrees below average. Big deal, you might say- five degrees isn't that huge of a difference. Yes, but considering most of June has been averaging below normal, you have a trend going. And, looking at the seven day outlook, those warm-but-not-hot temps will continue. I'm still holding firm to my Iceland volcano theory! Unfortunately, that theory doesn't explain why it's so hot east of the Rockies. It could be that there is a persistent trough of low pressure stuck in the northern Pacific Ocean (which is providing cooler than normal weather for us), while a strong ridge of high pressure back east is responsible for the hot weather there. Regardless, enjoy the next several days of sunshine and relatively mild air here in Chico! Some outdoor events happening in Chico this weekend: It's BBQ and rib heaven as two events celebrate the art of bar-b-quing- the Community Cook-off at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds (sponsored by the Chico Chamber of Commerce), and the Rib Cookoff to benefit the Wings of Eagles, a charity that helps seriously ill children, at Halls Harley Davidson on Mangrove Avenue. Also, the summer Movies in the Park happens today (Saturday) at Sycamore Field in Bidwell Park. The movie Stuart Little will be shown, and admission is free. Have a great weekend! Here's the Chico seven day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 78. South southeast wind between 3 and 9 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. South southeast wind between 7 and 10 mph becoming calm.

Sunday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming northwest between 6 and 9 mph.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 59. Northwest wind between 6 and 8 mph.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 89. North northwest wind around 10 mph.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 61.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 92.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 92.

steady temperatures

The past three days show the cooler temperature pattern Chico has been experiencing: Monday, the high temperature was 94 degrees; Tuesday, the high temp was 83 degrees; and yesterday, the high temp was 85 degrees. The National Weather Service was predicting a high for yesterday of only 78 degrees; they were off by seven degrees. Still, it has been a lot cooler than earlier this week. That trend is expected to continue, as we will see nearly steady temps in the mid 80s for the next seven days. Lows will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s. The humidity will be comfortable, and the sun will be beaming. All in all, a pretty great forecast for this time of year in Chico. Enjoy! Here's the Chico forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 86. Northwest wind between 5 and 7 mph.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 58. Light and variable wind.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 8 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58. South wind around 11 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Southeast wind between 5 and 7 mph.

Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 58.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 84.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 61.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 85.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 63.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 86.

Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 63.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 86.

scorcher

Yesterday was just plain hot in Chico, with very low humidity (11%), warm winds, and a high temperature of 98 degrees. Can you say "scorcher?" It appears today will be similar to yesterday, with a bit less wind. However, a cool front is on the way which will drop the temperatures a good 20 degrees from where we've seen them lately. As is typical this time of year, the cool air won't last, but the warm temperatures replacing the cool air won't be that bad- in fact, after today, there won't be any temps in the 90s for awhile. My prediction of a relatively cool summer holds- for now. Here's the seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming south southeast between 6 and 9 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. South southeast wind between 7 and 10 mph becoming calm.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Light west northwest wind.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Northwest wind between 8 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 78. North northwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 58.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 84.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 86.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 88.

winds slacken

The winds have eased in the Sacramento Valley as high pressure builds in from the west and a strong low pressure system over the Great Basin moves east into the Great Plains. Temperatures will soar into the mid 90s today, which is a few degrees warmer than yesterday, when the high in Chico reached 93 degrees. There will be a brief cooldown by midweek before the temps warm up again. However, there will be no stifling heat waves the next seven days- just slightly above normal temperatures. It will remain dry and sunny, as well (as is normal for this time of year). Not much happening, weather-wise. Here's the Chico seven day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 95. North northwest wind between 6 and 8 mph.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 65. Northwest wind between 4 and 7 mph becoming calm.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming south between 4 and 7 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming north northeast.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 89. North northwest wind around 8 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 83.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 88.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 60.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 57.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 85.

potentially dangerous weather

There is a potential for dangerous weather conditions today through Sunday, as high pressure, a strong jet stream, and very dry conditions collaborate to produce serious wind and fire conditions. The memory of June 2008 is still vivid in my memory as these similar weather conditions were present at the time the Humboldt Fire began. A Wind Advisory is in effect for the Central Valley (including Chico) from 8am until 8pm today. Northwest winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts to 40 mph, are possible today. The strongest winds are expected early this afternoon. Tie down any loose outdoor objects and be careful driving high profile vehicles today. There is also a Red Flag Warning for dangerous fire potential from 8am this morning through 11pm Saturday night. Humidities of less than 10%, along with very windy conditions and hot temperatures in the mid 90s, will combine to create a threatening situation with fire outbreaks. Please do not light any outdoor fires, and abstain from outdoor grilling this weekend. Temperatures today in Chico will be in the mid to upper 80s, mid 90s tomorrow and Sunday, and back into the mid to upper 80s for most of early next week. Lows will be mainly in the 50s and 60s. Be careful out there!

***UPDATE***
The Wind Advisory has now been extended through tomorrow (Saturday), expiring at 5pm tomorrow afternoon. Winds will decrease some overnight before picking back up tomorrow morning. Remember, a Wind Advisory means that winds are expected to gust to 40 mph. Also, a reminder that the Red Flag Warning is also still in effect until 8pm tomorrow. Humidities will range from 10-20% during the afternoon tomorrow, and that, combined with gusty winds, will create the potential for hazardous fire conditions. Stay safe!

brief cooldown

Today has been delightful, if a bit breezy. After a mostly cloudy start to the day, the afternoon revealed mostly sunny skies over Chico, with temps in the upper 70s to around 80 degrees. The winds have been a bit brisk, however, with southerly winds 15-20 mph. The winds and a passing cool front are why the temps have been cooler than normal today. It'll still remain pleasantly mild tomorrow, but the winds will still be strong. They will shift from the south/southeast to the northwest tomorrow, gusting to 25 mph. A big warmup occurs late this week into the weekend, with highs soaring into the mid 90s by Sunday. Another cool front is expected to sweep through the area by early next week, knocking the temps down several degrees into the mid 80s Tuesday and Wednesday. There has been a pronounced lack of heat so far this month of June, with only two days at 90 degrees. Even with the heat this weekend, it won't be as hot as what we could see this time of year, and the heat will be short-lived. I'm still sticking with my prediction of a noticeably cooler summer than average this summer. Here's the detailed seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind 14 to 17 mph becoming north 6 to 9 mph. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 7 to 10 mph increasing to between 19 and 22 mph. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58. North northwest wind between 11 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 84. North northwest wind between 18 and 21 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 63. North northwest wind between 9 and 13 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 92.

Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 63.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 94.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 64.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 95.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 65.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 86.

Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 61.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 84.

first 90 degree day of 2010

Yesterday, June 6th, was Chico's first 90 degree day of 2010. Normally we would have our first 90 degree day on average around mid May. We're a few weeks behind schedule, but Mother Nature doesn't go by human time. So far the mercury has climbed to 86 degrees today. Will we see our second consecutive 90 degree day today? Only time will tell. For now, temps will remain around the normal for the high the next 24 hours, then we'll see a brief cooldown as a front slips by us to our north. As usual this time of year, the cooldown will quickly yield to warmer temps by the end of the week, and we should be back in the low 90s by early next week. No rain is expected the next seven days. Here's the seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. South southeast wind between 5 and 8 mph becoming calm.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. South southeast wind between 3 and 9 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South southeast wind between 10 and 13 mph.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South southeast wind between 13 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind 7 to 11 mph becoming north northwest.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 87.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 90.

***UPDATE***
The temperature currently in Chico, as of 5pm PDT, is 90 degrees. That makes it two days in a row of 90 degrees- our first back-to-back 90 degree days this year. Just so you know...

warm and (slightly) muggy

Yesterday was rather uncomfortable in Chico weatherwise, as the high temperature climbed to 87 degrees. That's not so warm, you may say. Ah, but the humidity was rather high. Dewpoints were in the upper 50s and lower 60s yesterday, which made it feel rather sticky. Fortunately, there were some scattered clouds that shielded the sun. The sunshine and warmth will continue today, with highs again reaching the upper 80s. Hopefully the dewpoints won't be as high. It will be a pretty non-eventful week as far as the weather goes, with sunny skies and highs primarily in the 80s. I think summer may finally be here! Here's the Chico seven day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 8 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Southeast wind between 4 and 7 mph becoming calm.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming northwest around 6 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Southeast wind between 6 and 9 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 86. South southeast wind around 6 mph.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 84.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 88.

where's summer?

That's what a lot of people would like to know, I'm sure. I predict Chico will not have a blazingly hot summer, as is typical. Because of the Iceland volcano, expect temperatures to average about five to ten degrees cooler than what we typically see during the summer. Instead of highs in the mid 90s to around 105 degrees, we'll see temps in the upper 80s to mid 90s. Oh, we'll experience some heat waves with temps around 100 degrees, but only for a few days at a time. Some summers Chico has temps well above 100 degrees for over a week or more. I don't expect that this summer. For today, accept and embrace the gloomy weather as clouds and showers stick around (yesterday was also cloudy and somewhat wet- Chico received .01" of rain). Temperatures will be ten degrees cooler than average. It'll dry out and warm up over the weekend, though, with sunny skies and highs into the 80s. It'll warm up even more by early next week, but instead of the mid 90s as previously forecast, expect only upper 80s to around 90 degrees. That's more in line with where we should be this time of year. Here's the Chico forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. South southeast wind between 8 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South southeast wind between 6 and 13 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South southeast wind between 3 and 6 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. South southeast wind at 5 mph becoming east northeast.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. South southeast wind between 5 and 8 mph.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

a more realistic forecast

Not a drop of rain fell in the Chico area yesterday or last night. The cold front that brought some moderately heavy rains to the far northern part of California fell apart before reaching us. There were a few light sprinkles in some parts of Butte County (where Chico is located), but nothing other than that. In fact, the National Weather Service has become less dramatic and more realistic about this latest storm expected to move through tonight and tomorrow. Now, instead of a 70% chance of rain, a 50% chance of showers is predicted. I still think these computer models are wrong more often than they are right. One thing that was unusual yesterday was the really high humidity across northern California. Dewpoints ranged from the mid 50s to the lower 60s yesterday in Chico, making it feel unusually sticky for this time of year. Normally by early June dewpoints should be in the 30s and 40s. I almost felt like I was back home in Indiana! Oh, and get ready for some serious heat next week- that part of the forecast has not changed. Here's the latest forecast information for Chico from the National Weather Service:

Today: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. South southeast wind between 9 and 11 mph.

Tonight: A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 59. South southeast wind between 9 and 13 mph.

Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Southeast wind between 15 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South southeast wind between 6 and 13 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 84. South southeast wind between 3 and 6 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 89.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 94.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 95.

wet and breezy in June

I titled this blog post as such because we rarely, if ever, see stormy weather during the month of June. However, we will see it with not just one, but two storms that will roll through northern California over the next 48 hours. In fact, the second storm looks like it contains abundant moisture- enough to warrant a Special Weather Statement from the National Weather Service regarding possible overflows into Shasta Lake, which is about 10 miles north of Redding. Up to 2 inches of rain are forecast to fall over the southern Cascade Mountains. That, combined with snowmelt already occurring, will cause water officials to release some water from Shasta Lake into the Sacramento River to prevent overflow into the lake. That could cause rapid rises of the river all the way down into the Chico area. Now, Chico is five miles east of the Sacramento River, so there's no danger of flooding. However, there is a danger of drowning if you decide to fish or boat on or along the river over the next couple of days. Just be aware of the situation and keep a watch on sudden water level rises. Otherwise, hunker down and endure more wet, breezy weather beginning tonight with the first storm, followed by a second, potentially stronger storm tomorrow night into Friday. If you are sick and tired of the un- summer like conditions, don't fret. By early next week a strong dome of high pressure will anchor itself over the western U.S., and that will bring hot weather- low to mid 90s- to Chico. Here are the specifics from the National Weather Service:

Today: A 30 percent chance of rain after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming south between 8 and 11 mph.

Tonight: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind between 7 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. South southeast wind between 10 and 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South southeast wind between 10 and 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. South southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 84.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 86.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 60.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 90.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 59.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 95.

mixed bag of weather

Fog in June? Yep, as patchy fog has formed over parts of Butte County this morning. We normally don't see fog in June. The weekend in Chico weather-wise was very nice, with highs in the 70s and 80s. It's going to be a weird week ahead, as another rainy storm invades later this week. By early next week, however, we may see our first 90 degree day of the year. Certainly a variety of weather, that's for sure. As far as temperatures, they should stay mild through the weekend, so there should not be a need to pull out the jacket or sweater. Here's the specific forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:

Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. South southeast wind between 3 and 9 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind at 6 mph becoming northeast.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Light wind becoming south southeast between 10 and 13 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind between 8 and 11 mph.

Thursday: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. South southeast wind around 7 mph.

Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Friday: A 40 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 75.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 84.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 87.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 91.