Well, Northern California has now had its first big winter storm of the 2010/2011 fall/winter season. Chico received over an inch and a quarter of rain, while the nearby Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains have already received anywhere from 5-15 inches of snow! But, it's not quite over yet. Another storm (though not as big as the one last night) will rush down from Canada, bringing cold rain showers to the valley and more mountain snow later today and into tomorrow. There's still a Winter Storm Warning in effect for the Sierra Nevada mountains through tomorrow morning for an additional 6-12 inches of snow above 2000', while two to three feet of additional snow is expected above 5000'. Even the Coast Range, west of Chico, got pasted with snow. As I type this, I'm looking out the window (which faces west across the Sacramento Valley towards the Coast Range) and I see lots of snow covering the Coast Range mountains. After all of this rain and snow leave around Tuesday, we'll be left with some very cold temperatures for the rest of the week. Turkey Day looks to be the coldest day of the week, with high temps in Chico only around the upper 40s to 50 degrees and lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s. At least the sun will be shining! Also, don't forget the annual Downtown Christmas Preview is happening in downtown Chico this evening from 4-8 pm. It's a very festive event that allows shoppers to get some great deals while strolling around downtown enjoying holiday carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a visit from Santa himself! The weather should get you in the holiday spirit, as it will be chilly and somewhat damp. Temps should be in the low to mid 40s with scattered light rain showers during the event. Dress warmly, sip some hot cider, and enjoy the Christmas lights and sights! Here's the latest forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:
Today: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 49. South southeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tonight: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 36. Southeast wind between 8 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Southeast wind between 9 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Monday Night: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. South wind between 11 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Light wind becoming north northwest between 13 and 16 mph.
Tuesday Night: Areas of frost after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 33.
Wednesday: Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 49.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30.
Thanksgiving Day: Sunny, with a high near 52.
Thursday Night: Areas of frost after midnight. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 34.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 54.
Friday Night: Patchy frost after 1am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Saturday: A slight chance of rain. Patchy frost before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 55.
Hey Chico! I was able to use your post as a reference link for one of mine:
ReplyDeletehttp://fidalgoweather.blogspot.com/2010/11/northwest-noreaster.html
I think what is happening here is also what is affecting you. Thanks.