From the National Weather Service:
ANOTHER STORM SYSTEM WILL SPREAD VALLEY RAIN AND MOUNTAIN SNOW
ACROSS THE INTERIOR OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BY THE MIDDLE OF THE
WEEK. ALTHOUGH LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS MAY PRECEDE THE STORM SYSTEM ON
TUESDAY OVER THE SHASTA COUNTY MOUNTAINS...THE MAIN STORM SYSTEM
WILL HAVE ITS GREATEST IMPACT ACROSS THE REGION TUESDAY NIGHT AND
WEDNESDAY.
PERIODS OF RAIN AND GUSTY WINDS ARE POSSIBLE IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY
LATE TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY MORNING...WITH HEAVY SNOW IN THE
MOUNTAINS ABOVE 4000 TO 5000 FEET. SNOW LEVELS MAY LOWER TO AROUND
2000 FEET LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT OVER THE SHASTA COUNTY MOUNTAINS...
THOUGH MUCH OF THE PRECIPITATION SHOULD BE TAPERING OFF BY THEN.
PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES FOR SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS ARE UP TO 2 FEET
ABOVE 7000 FEET WITH 6 INCHES TO A FOOT POSSIBLE FROM 4000 TO 5000
FEET. A HALF INCH TO AN INCH OF RAIN IS POSSIBLE IN THE
SACRAMENTO VALLEY WITH HIGHER AMOUNTS IN THE MOUNTAINS NORTH OF
REDDING. SOUTH WIND GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH ARE POSSIBLE TUESDAY
NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY. WIND MAY GUST OVER 50 MPH ACROSS THE HIGHER
MOUNTAIN PASSES...CREATING AREAS OF REDUCED VISIBILITY IN BLOWING
SNOW.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
update on potential for stormy weather
From the National Weather Service:
A WARMER STORM WILL IMPACT THE REGION TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH
WEDNESDAY NIGHT...
ANOTHER STORM SYSTEM WILL SPREAD VALLEY RAIN AND MOUNTAIN SNOW
ACROSS THE REGION BY MID WEEK. LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS MAY IMPACT THE
MOUNTAINS FROM INTERSTATE 80 NORTH MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT. LIGHT
RAIN MAY ALSO FALL FROM REDDING TO SACRAMENTO. THE MAIN STORM
SYSTEM WILL HAVE ITS GREATEST IMPACT ACROSS THE REGION TUESDAY
NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY. PERIODS OF RAIN AND GUSTY WIND ARE POSSIBLE
IN THE VALLEYS. HEAVY SNOW IS POSSIBLE ABOVE 4000 FEET. A COLD
FRONT MAY LOWER SNOW LEVELS TO 2000 FEET LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
MUCH OF THE PRECIPITATION SHOULD BE TAPERING OFF BY THEN.
PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES FOR SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS ARE TWO FEET OR
MORE ABOVE 7000 FEET AND UP TO A FOOT ABOVE 5000 FEET BY WEDNESDAY
NIGHT. AN INCH OF RAIN IS POSSIBLE IN THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY WITH
HIGHER AMOUNTS IN THE SHASTA DRAINAGE. SOUTH WIND GUSTS IN EXCESS
OF 35 MPH ARE POSSIBLE TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY. WIND MAY GUST
OVER 60 MPH ACROSS THE HIGHER MOUNTAIN PASSES...CREATING AREAS OF
REDUCED VISIBILITY IN BLOWING SNOW.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECASTS FOR
UPDATES ON THIS DEVELOPING STORM SYSTEM.
A WARMER STORM WILL IMPACT THE REGION TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH
WEDNESDAY NIGHT...
ANOTHER STORM SYSTEM WILL SPREAD VALLEY RAIN AND MOUNTAIN SNOW
ACROSS THE REGION BY MID WEEK. LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS MAY IMPACT THE
MOUNTAINS FROM INTERSTATE 80 NORTH MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT. LIGHT
RAIN MAY ALSO FALL FROM REDDING TO SACRAMENTO. THE MAIN STORM
SYSTEM WILL HAVE ITS GREATEST IMPACT ACROSS THE REGION TUESDAY
NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY. PERIODS OF RAIN AND GUSTY WIND ARE POSSIBLE
IN THE VALLEYS. HEAVY SNOW IS POSSIBLE ABOVE 4000 FEET. A COLD
FRONT MAY LOWER SNOW LEVELS TO 2000 FEET LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
MUCH OF THE PRECIPITATION SHOULD BE TAPERING OFF BY THEN.
PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES FOR SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS ARE TWO FEET OR
MORE ABOVE 7000 FEET AND UP TO A FOOT ABOVE 5000 FEET BY WEDNESDAY
NIGHT. AN INCH OF RAIN IS POSSIBLE IN THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY WITH
HIGHER AMOUNTS IN THE SHASTA DRAINAGE. SOUTH WIND GUSTS IN EXCESS
OF 35 MPH ARE POSSIBLE TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY. WIND MAY GUST
OVER 60 MPH ACROSS THE HIGHER MOUNTAIN PASSES...CREATING AREAS OF
REDUCED VISIBILITY IN BLOWING SNOW.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECASTS FOR
UPDATES ON THIS DEVELOPING STORM SYSTEM.
cold, then stormy
It was another frosty morning in Chico this morning, as the low temperature fell to 27 degrees. Yesterday's morning low in Chico was 28 degrees. I hope the almond, pear, and apricot trees can survive this recent cold snap. Temperatures will moderate quickly as another storm system moves in from the Pacific. This storm does not originate from the Gulf of Alaska like the previous one, so it won't be quite as cold this go-around. However, temperatures are not expected to be as warm as previously thought (the National Weather Service was forecasting highs in Chico this upcoming week in the 60s; now they're saying low to mid 50s), so moderately low snow levels are predicted once again this week. The storm will hit around the middle of the week, and there is a fairly large wind field accompanying it. Even though the main part of the storm will not affect us until Wednesday, breezy conditions are expected as soon as tomorrow. Southerly winds of 10-20 mph are in the forecast for tomorrow and Tuesday, with highs both days in the low to mid 50s. We should be in the lower 60s for highs by this time of year. It's too soon to predict exact wind speeds for Wednesday, but the NWS stated in its daily bulletin to expect windy conditions with this upcoming storm, as well as moderate rainfall and low snow levels. After a quiet January and early February, Mother Nature is more than making up for our lack of winter weather this year! Here's the detailed Chico forecast from the NWS:
Today: Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 54. Calm wind becoming south southeast between 6 and 9 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Southeast wind between 11 and 14 mph.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. South southeast wind between 13 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. South southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. South southeast wind between 10 and 13 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 41.
Wednesday: Rain. High near 54. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Thursday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Friday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.
Friday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Saturday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.
Today: Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 54. Calm wind becoming south southeast between 6 and 9 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Southeast wind between 11 and 14 mph.
Monday: A 30 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. South southeast wind between 13 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. South southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. South southeast wind between 10 and 13 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 41.
Wednesday: Rain. High near 54. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Thursday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Friday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.
Friday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Saturday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
latest advisories from the NWS
A FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM PST THIS MORNING. A
HARD FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 9 AM PST
SUNDAY.
* TEMPERATURES THIS WEEKEND: UPPER 20S TO LOWER 30S THIS MORNING
AND MID TO UPPER 20S ON SUNDAY MORNING FOR THE CENTRAL VALLEY.
MANY FOOTHILL LOCATIONS BELOW 2000 FEET WILL HAVE TEMPERATURES
IN THE LOW TO MID 20S BOTH MORNINGS.
* FREEZE TIMING: BETWEEN 3 AM AND 9 AM.
* FREEZE LOCATIONS INCLUDE: REDDING... RED BLUFF... CHICO...
MARYSVILLE... SACRAMENTO... STOCKTON... MODESTO...LAKEPORT...
PARADISE... AND AUBURN.
* COLD TEMPERATURE IMPACTS: DAMAGE POSSIBLE TO APRICOTS...
ALMONDS...PLUMS AND PEACHES IN THEIR BUDDING AND FLOWERING
STAGE. ICY CONDITIONS FORMING ON ROADS WHERE ROADS ARE WET.
EXPOSED PIPES COULD FREEZE AND BURST.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A HARD FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE
POSSIBLE WITH TEMPERATURES BELOW 28 DEGREES FOR 3 TO 5 HOURS.
THESE CONDITIONS COULD DAMAGE CROPS AND OTHER SENSITIVE
VEGETATION. PEOPLE AND PETS SHOULD BE INSIDE SHELTER DURING THE
COLDEST PART OF THE NIGHT AND MORNING HOURS.
HARD FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 9 AM PST
SUNDAY.
* TEMPERATURES THIS WEEKEND: UPPER 20S TO LOWER 30S THIS MORNING
AND MID TO UPPER 20S ON SUNDAY MORNING FOR THE CENTRAL VALLEY.
MANY FOOTHILL LOCATIONS BELOW 2000 FEET WILL HAVE TEMPERATURES
IN THE LOW TO MID 20S BOTH MORNINGS.
* FREEZE TIMING: BETWEEN 3 AM AND 9 AM.
* FREEZE LOCATIONS INCLUDE: REDDING... RED BLUFF... CHICO...
MARYSVILLE... SACRAMENTO... STOCKTON... MODESTO...LAKEPORT...
PARADISE... AND AUBURN.
* COLD TEMPERATURE IMPACTS: DAMAGE POSSIBLE TO APRICOTS...
ALMONDS...PLUMS AND PEACHES IN THEIR BUDDING AND FLOWERING
STAGE. ICY CONDITIONS FORMING ON ROADS WHERE ROADS ARE WET.
EXPOSED PIPES COULD FREEZE AND BURST.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A HARD FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE
POSSIBLE WITH TEMPERATURES BELOW 28 DEGREES FOR 3 TO 5 HOURS.
THESE CONDITIONS COULD DAMAGE CROPS AND OTHER SENSITIVE
VEGETATION. PEOPLE AND PETS SHOULD BE INSIDE SHELTER DURING THE
COLDEST PART OF THE NIGHT AND MORNING HOURS.
Friday, February 25, 2011
pics of unusual weather
I just wanted to share a few photos of the weird weather we've had today. All three photos were taken from my house eight miles east of Chico in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The top two photos are of sleet and snow that fell just a few minutes ago from the line of thunderstorms that pushed through Chico earlier. The bottom photo was taken earlier this morning of the two inches of snow that fell at my house, el. 1500 feet. As I type this it is snowing lightly again. Weird weather!
lots of exciting weather
Well, exciting for these parts, anyway. Snow actually fell in Chico this morning! Nothing accumulated, but big, wet flakes of snow fell for about 20 minutes right before 8 am this morning. In nearly nine years of living here, I've never seen it snow in Chico. It's not unheard of, however. About fifteen years ago, three inches of the white stuff fell on Chico. Paradise, to the east of Chico, saw anywhere from 5-12 inches of snow with this latest storm. Meanwhile, a line of heavy showers and thunderstorms, capable of producing lightning and small hail, are moving east at 20 mph right towards Chico. The heaviest thunderstorms were about 25 miles north of Chico, so if heading north on highway 99 out of Chico, be aware you may run right into this line of heavy rain. Also, a Hard Freeze Watch is in effect for early Saturday and Sunday mornings. Low temps in the 20s both mornings will cause damage to the flowering almond, apricot, and pear trees. Wrap those exposed water pipes because they are likely to burst otherwise. Wow, heavy rain, snow, thunderstorms, and sub-freezing weather, all within 24 hours. How exciting! Here's the detailed forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:
This Afternoon: Rain likely, mainly before 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tonight: A chance of rain before 10pm, then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Saturday: A chance of rain and snow before 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. North northwest wind between 6 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. North wind around 7 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 43. East northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming south southeast.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Tuesday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57.
Tuesday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Wednesday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.
Wednesday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Thursday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60.
This Afternoon: Rain likely, mainly before 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tonight: A chance of rain before 10pm, then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Saturday: A chance of rain and snow before 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. North northwest wind between 6 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. North wind around 7 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 43. East northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming south southeast.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Tuesday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57.
Tuesday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Wednesday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.
Wednesday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Thursday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
update on winter advisories
It appears the National Weather Service was off on their timing. Now the Winter Storm Warning and the Winter Weather Advisory go into effect beginning at 4am tomorrow. More details from the NWS:
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST SATURDAY
ABOVE 2000 FEET...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM FRIDAY TO 4 AM PST
SATURDAY BELOW 2000 FEET...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY BELOW 2000 FEET FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT
FROM 4 AM FRIDAY TO 4 AM PST SATURDAY. A WINTER STORM WARNING
ABOVE 2000 FEET REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST SATURDAY.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 5 INCHES BETWEEN 1000 AND 2000 FEET
BETWEEN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY MORNINGS. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF A
FOOT OR MORE BETWEEN 2000 AND 3000 FEET THROUGH SATURDAY
MORNING.
* ELEVATION: SNOW LEVELS 2000 FEET TONIGHT DROPPING TO BELOW 1500
FEET ON FRIDAY AND TO OR BELOW 1000 FEET ON FRIDAY NIGHT.
* TIMING: PRECIPITATION WILL CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: GRASS VALLEY...JACKSON AND SONORA
* WINDS: SOUTHERLY 10 TO 20 MPH.
* IMPACTS: SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS POSSIBLE AT
UNUSUALLY LOW ELEVATION. HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS
POSSIBLE. POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGES.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE
TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED
VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST SATURDAY
ABOVE 2000 FEET...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM FRIDAY TO 4 AM PST
SATURDAY BELOW 2000 FEET...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY BELOW 2000 FEET FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT
FROM 4 AM FRIDAY TO 4 AM PST SATURDAY. A WINTER STORM WARNING
ABOVE 2000 FEET REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST SATURDAY.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 5 INCHES BETWEEN 1000 AND 2000 FEET
BETWEEN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY MORNINGS. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF A
FOOT OR MORE BETWEEN 2000 AND 3000 FEET THROUGH SATURDAY
MORNING.
* ELEVATION: SNOW LEVELS 2000 FEET TONIGHT DROPPING TO BELOW 1500
FEET ON FRIDAY AND TO OR BELOW 1000 FEET ON FRIDAY NIGHT.
* TIMING: PRECIPITATION WILL CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: GRASS VALLEY...JACKSON AND SONORA
* WINDS: SOUTHERLY 10 TO 20 MPH.
* IMPACTS: SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS POSSIBLE AT
UNUSUALLY LOW ELEVATION. HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS
POSSIBLE. POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGES.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE
TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED
VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
wintry weather likely
This may not affect the city of Chico, but many foothills communities east of Chico will definitely be impacted by this approaching storm. The timing is such that many people who live in the foothills, such as Paradise and Magalia, and work in Chico may have their Thursday afternoon and/or Friday morning commute affected by heavy snowfall. Here's the latest bulletin from the National Weather Service in Sacramento:
WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THURSDAY TO 4 AM PST
SATURDAY ABOVE 2000 FEET...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THURSDAY TO 4 AM
PST SATURDAY BELOW 2000 FEET...
...WINTER STORM WATCH NO LONGER IN EFFECT...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING ABOVE 2000 FEET FOR HEAVY SNOW...AND IS IN EFFECT
FROM 1 PM THURSDAY TO 4 AM PST SATURDAY.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY BELOW 2000 FEET HAS ALSO BEEN ISSUED.
THIS WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY BELOW 2000 FEET IS FOR SNOW...AND
POSSIBLY BRIEF PERIODS OF FREEZING RAIN...AND IS IN EFFECT FROM 1
PM THURSDAY TO 4 AM PST SATURDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 3 INCHES DOWN TO 1000 FEET...AND 4 TO 8
8 INCHES AROUND 2000 FEET ELEVATION AND A FOOT OR MORE AROUND
3000 FEET.
* ELEVATION: SNOW DOWN TO AROUND 1000 FEET...HEAVY SNOW ABOVE 2000
FEET.
* TIMING: LATE THURSDAY INTO EARLY SATURDAY MORNING.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: GRASS VALLEY...NEVADA CITY...SONORA...AUBURN.
* WINDS: SOUTHERLY 10 TO 20 MPH.
* IMPACTS: SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS POSSIBLE AT
UNUSUALLY LOW ELEVATION. HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS
POSSIBLE. POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGES.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...
SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO
POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.
Be prepared for this dangerous storm now. Try to make plans in advance of what to do about work. Prepare to stock up on food supplies and plan on power outages that may last a few days. The time to plan is NOW.
WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THURSDAY TO 4 AM PST
SATURDAY ABOVE 2000 FEET...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THURSDAY TO 4 AM
PST SATURDAY BELOW 2000 FEET...
...WINTER STORM WATCH NO LONGER IN EFFECT...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING ABOVE 2000 FEET FOR HEAVY SNOW...AND IS IN EFFECT
FROM 1 PM THURSDAY TO 4 AM PST SATURDAY.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY BELOW 2000 FEET HAS ALSO BEEN ISSUED.
THIS WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY BELOW 2000 FEET IS FOR SNOW...AND
POSSIBLY BRIEF PERIODS OF FREEZING RAIN...AND IS IN EFFECT FROM 1
PM THURSDAY TO 4 AM PST SATURDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 3 INCHES DOWN TO 1000 FEET...AND 4 TO 8
8 INCHES AROUND 2000 FEET ELEVATION AND A FOOT OR MORE AROUND
3000 FEET.
* ELEVATION: SNOW DOWN TO AROUND 1000 FEET...HEAVY SNOW ABOVE 2000
FEET.
* TIMING: LATE THURSDAY INTO EARLY SATURDAY MORNING.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: GRASS VALLEY...NEVADA CITY...SONORA...AUBURN.
* WINDS: SOUTHERLY 10 TO 20 MPH.
* IMPACTS: SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS POSSIBLE AT
UNUSUALLY LOW ELEVATION. HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS
POSSIBLE. POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGES.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...
SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO
POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.
Be prepared for this dangerous storm now. Try to make plans in advance of what to do about work. Prepare to stock up on food supplies and plan on power outages that may last a few days. The time to plan is NOW.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
turning stormy again
Yesterday and today have been beautiful, if somewhat chilly. Yesterday the temps stayed stuck in the 50s in Chico, while today has been warmer- the current temperature is 60 degrees. More of the fruit and non- fruit bearing trees are blooming, adding splashes of white, pink and purple around town. We'll have one more decent day tomorrow before a cold and wet storm moves in by the end of the week. In fact, the air associated with this storm is cold enough to warrant a Winter Storm Watch for elevations in the Sierra foothills as low as 1500 feet! Four to eight inches of snow are possible at that elevation, while 3 to 5 inches are possible in the Sacramento Valley above 500 feet (that includes Redding). This Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Thursday and Friday. Of course, the forecast will be tweaked as we get closer to the actual event, and the snow level may be higher than what the National Weather Service is predicting right now, so check back often. I'll do my best to pass along updates in a timely manner. For now, here's the latest forecast for Chico from the NWS:
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. South southeast wind around 6 mph becoming north.
Thursday: Showers. High near 42. South southeast wind between 7 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Rain. Low around 34. South southeast wind between 6 and 11 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday: Rain. High near 42. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.
Saturday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 47.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55.
Monday Night: A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Tuesday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. South southeast wind around 6 mph becoming north.
Thursday: Showers. High near 42. South southeast wind between 7 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: Rain. Low around 34. South southeast wind between 6 and 11 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday: Rain. High near 42. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.
Saturday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 47.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55.
Monday Night: A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Tuesday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
chilly but sunny
After a so-so day yesterday (mostly cloudy skies and scattered showers), today should contain plenty of sunshine. The day will start off cold, however, with patchy frost possible in many areas. Currently in Chico the temperature is a cold 28 degrees. Calm winds and clear skies last night aided in the cold morning temps. Highs should be around 50 degrees today, but that is ten degrees below normal. In fact, every day this week the high temp will be below average, as a trough of cold air digs into the western U.S. Another storm will affect our area by Thursday, with another shot of cold air accompanying it. Where did spring go? Oh, that's right- it's still technically winter! Here's the latest forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:
Today: Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. East wind between 6 and 8 mph.
Washington's Birthday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Southeast wind around 8 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Calm wind becoming north between 4 and 7 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North northeast wind at 6 mph becoming west.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Wednesday Night: A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Thursday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.
Thursday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47.
Friday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Saturday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51.
Today: Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. East wind between 6 and 8 mph.
Washington's Birthday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Southeast wind around 8 mph.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Calm wind becoming north between 4 and 7 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North northeast wind at 6 mph becoming west.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Wednesday Night: A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Thursday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.
Thursday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47.
Friday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Saturday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51.
Friday, February 18, 2011
rain isn't done with us yet
After a brief lull in rainfall activity today in Chico, it looks like rain will re-enter the picture this evening. A slow-moving low pressure system is crawling its way south of Chico across central California, and it's throwing rain north, back into our area. A broad area of rain is slowly moving from south to north over Northern California currently, and it looks like rain will begin after sunset this evening. Showers will linger over our area tomorrow before the sun makes an appearance on Sunday. A chance of showers returns in the forecast and will remain through much of next week. Also, snow is still possible above 2000 feet this evening. It looks like some foothills areas got pasted with snow today- as much as 5 to 8 inches of the white stuff! The entire area should get ready for colder temps- as much as 10-15 degrees below normal for highs through next week. Low temps will dip to around freezing- potentially damaging the young blooms on the almond trees. Farmers will have to watch that carefully. So, bottom line is, don't put away those jackets and sweaters just yet! Here is the detailed forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:
Tonight: Rain. Low around 32. North northwest wind between 3 and 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. South southeast wind between 3 and 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. South southeast wind between 3 and 6 mph.
Sunday: Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Light and variable wind.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Washington's Birthday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 53.
Monday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Tuesday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 53.
Wednesday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Thursday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51.
Tonight: Rain. Low around 32. North northwest wind between 3 and 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. South southeast wind between 3 and 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. South southeast wind between 3 and 6 mph.
Sunday: Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Light and variable wind.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Washington's Birthday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 53.
Monday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Tuesday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 53.
Wednesday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Thursday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
nasty winter weather
From the National Weather Service office in Sacramento:
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WIND
ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM PST THIS EVENING.
* WINDS: SOUTHERLY FLOW WITH SUSTAINED WINDS 15 TO 30 MPH AND
STRONG GUSTS AROUND 40 TO 45 MPH.
* TIMING: WILL REMAIN STRONG THROUGH THE AFTERNOON THEN LESSEN THIS
EVENING AFTER 6 PM.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: STOCKTON...MODESTO...CHICO...REDDING...
PARADISE...GRASS VALLEY...PLACERVILLE
* IMPACTS: DOWNED BRANCHES AND SMALL TREES POSSIBLE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT SUSTAINED WINDS ABOVE 25 MPH ARE
EXPECTED WITH GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE
DRIVING DIFFICULT...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE
EXTRA CAUTION.
It has been wet and windy today in Chico, while some foothills locations (including my house, el. 1500 feet) have seen a mix of rain and snow. Temps have been stuck in the lower 40s in Chico, while it's currently 33 degrees at my house. Winds have been gusty, as well, with speeds over 30 mph at times today. The weather should calm down some tomorrow and into the weekend, but it will remain colder than normal for the next several days. It's almost hard to believe that just four days ago it was sunny and in the 70s!
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WIND
ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM PST THIS EVENING.
* WINDS: SOUTHERLY FLOW WITH SUSTAINED WINDS 15 TO 30 MPH AND
STRONG GUSTS AROUND 40 TO 45 MPH.
* TIMING: WILL REMAIN STRONG THROUGH THE AFTERNOON THEN LESSEN THIS
EVENING AFTER 6 PM.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: STOCKTON...MODESTO...CHICO...REDDING...
PARADISE...GRASS VALLEY...PLACERVILLE
* IMPACTS: DOWNED BRANCHES AND SMALL TREES POSSIBLE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT SUSTAINED WINDS ABOVE 25 MPH ARE
EXPECTED WITH GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE
DRIVING DIFFICULT...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE
EXTRA CAUTION.
It has been wet and windy today in Chico, while some foothills locations (including my house, el. 1500 feet) have seen a mix of rain and snow. Temps have been stuck in the lower 40s in Chico, while it's currently 33 degrees at my house. Winds have been gusty, as well, with speeds over 30 mph at times today. The weather should calm down some tomorrow and into the weekend, but it will remain colder than normal for the next several days. It's almost hard to believe that just four days ago it was sunny and in the 70s!
Winter Storm Watch now a Winter Storm Warning
From the National Weather Service:
WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO
10 PM PST FRIDAY ABOVE 2000 FEET...
THE WINTER STORM WARNING ABOVE 2000 FEET IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM
7 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM PST FRIDAY.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 10 TO 14 INCHES ABOVE 2500 FEET BY FRIDAY
EVENING...WITH 5 TO 9 INCHES ABOVE 2000 FEET. SEVERAL INCHES MAY
FALL DOWN TO 1500 FEET BEFORE SNOW LEVELS RISE A BIT LATE TODAY.
* TIMING: SNOW SHOWERS WILL REDEVELOP THIS MORNING AND BECOME
HEAVY AT TIMES BY LATE THIS MORNING. SNOW LEVELS WILL RISE FROM
1500 TO 2000 FEET THIS AFTERNOON. SNOW WILL TAPER OFF TO
SCATTERED SNOW SHOWERS FRIDAY EVENING.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: GRASS VALLEY
* WINDS: SOUTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH LOCAL GUSTS TO 45
MPH AT THE UPPER ELEVATIONS.
* IMPACTS: LOW ELEVATION SNOW. HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS AND
DANGEROUS BACK COUNTRY TRAVELING CONDITIONS.
WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO
10 PM PST FRIDAY ABOVE 2000 FEET...
THE WINTER STORM WARNING ABOVE 2000 FEET IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM
7 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM PST FRIDAY.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 10 TO 14 INCHES ABOVE 2500 FEET BY FRIDAY
EVENING...WITH 5 TO 9 INCHES ABOVE 2000 FEET. SEVERAL INCHES MAY
FALL DOWN TO 1500 FEET BEFORE SNOW LEVELS RISE A BIT LATE TODAY.
* TIMING: SNOW SHOWERS WILL REDEVELOP THIS MORNING AND BECOME
HEAVY AT TIMES BY LATE THIS MORNING. SNOW LEVELS WILL RISE FROM
1500 TO 2000 FEET THIS AFTERNOON. SNOW WILL TAPER OFF TO
SCATTERED SNOW SHOWERS FRIDAY EVENING.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: GRASS VALLEY
* WINDS: SOUTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH LOCAL GUSTS TO 45
MPH AT THE UPPER ELEVATIONS.
* IMPACTS: LOW ELEVATION SNOW. HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS AND
DANGEROUS BACK COUNTRY TRAVELING CONDITIONS.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Winter Storm Watch in effect for foothills communities
This doesn't affect Chico directly, but it does affect foothills and ridge communities to the east of Chico. From the National Weather Service:
A NEW WINTER STORM WATCH ABOVE 2000 FEET IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY
AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: LITTLE OR NO ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL IS
EXPECTED TONIGHT. MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW WILL REDEVELOP
THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE INTO FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
* TIMING: LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS WILL END THIS EVENING. MODERATE TO
HEAVY SNOW WILL REDEVELOP THURSDAY AFTERNOON...AND CONTINUE
INTO FRIDAY EVENING.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: PARADISE...GRASS VALLEY...NEVADA CITY...THE
UPPER ELEVATIONS OF PARADISE. INTERSTATE 80 ABOVE COLFAX.
HIGHWAY 50 ABOVE PLACERVILLE.
* WINDS: SOUTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH LOCAL GUSTS TO 45 MPH
AT THE UPPER ELEVATIONS.
* IMPACTS: LOW ELEVATION SNOW REDEVELOPING THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND
CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING. HAZARDOUS TRAVEL...GUSTY WINDS AND
COLD TEMPERATURES. DANGEROUS BACK COUNTRY TRAVELING CONDITIONS.
This bulletin does not give actual snowfall amounts, but expect occasionally moderate snow to affect Upper Paradise and Magalia over the next 24 to 36 hours. Perhaps as much as six inches of snow could fall (this estimate being my own). Regardless of how much falls, prepare now for some slick and potentially dangerous travel conditions.
A NEW WINTER STORM WATCH ABOVE 2000 FEET IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY
AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: LITTLE OR NO ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL IS
EXPECTED TONIGHT. MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW WILL REDEVELOP
THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE INTO FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
* TIMING: LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS WILL END THIS EVENING. MODERATE TO
HEAVY SNOW WILL REDEVELOP THURSDAY AFTERNOON...AND CONTINUE
INTO FRIDAY EVENING.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: PARADISE...GRASS VALLEY...NEVADA CITY...THE
UPPER ELEVATIONS OF PARADISE. INTERSTATE 80 ABOVE COLFAX.
HIGHWAY 50 ABOVE PLACERVILLE.
* WINDS: SOUTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH LOCAL GUSTS TO 45 MPH
AT THE UPPER ELEVATIONS.
* IMPACTS: LOW ELEVATION SNOW REDEVELOPING THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND
CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING. HAZARDOUS TRAVEL...GUSTY WINDS AND
COLD TEMPERATURES. DANGEROUS BACK COUNTRY TRAVELING CONDITIONS.
This bulletin does not give actual snowfall amounts, but expect occasionally moderate snow to affect Upper Paradise and Magalia over the next 24 to 36 hours. Perhaps as much as six inches of snow could fall (this estimate being my own). Regardless of how much falls, prepare now for some slick and potentially dangerous travel conditions.
unsettled weather to persist
It has been stormy and unsettled since Monday. I discussed Monday's weather in my last blog posting. Yesterday's stormy weather involved more rainfall than Monday's storm, but less wind. Don't get me wrong; there was still quite a bit of gusty winds with yesterday's storm- just not the wind speeds of Monday's storm. That's a clunky way of saying the wind speeds were not as strong with yesterday's storm. This afternoon showers and thunderstorms have been firing up in the valley and the adjacent foothills. It started out sunny and chilly this morning, but that large low pressure system is still out over the eastern Pacific, and the sunshine only added to the already unstable air in place. This has produced the isolated to widely scattered thundershower activity. Small hail and lightning have already been reported this afternoon with some of the storms. Snow levels in the Sierra have dropped to 2500 feet, as well. The thunderstorm activity should die down after sunset, but another storm will bring rain and breezy conditions tomorrow. Showers will persist into the weekend, albeit with less chances of showers. Much cooler air than we've seen in some time will also invade and set up shop (so to speak) through early next week. In other words, say goodbye to spring and welcome back winter. Here are the details from the National Weather Service:
This Afternoon: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce small hail. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. South southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tonight: Showers likely, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. South wind between 11 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: Rain. High near 44. Southeast wind between 11 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday Night: Showers. Low around 35. East southeast wind between 3 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. East northeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 49.
Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Sunday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.
Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Washington's Birthday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Monday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 52.
This Afternoon: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce small hail. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. South southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tonight: Showers likely, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. South wind between 11 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: Rain. High near 44. Southeast wind between 11 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday Night: Showers. Low around 35. East southeast wind between 3 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. East northeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.
Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 49.
Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Sunday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.
Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Washington's Birthday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Monday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Tuesday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 52.
Monday, February 14, 2011
more storminess headed our way
It was rather wet and breezy in Chico today, with southerly winds gusting up to 35 mph and total precipitation totaling .35". After a brief lull this evening, another storm will affect us tomorrow, and there is a Wind Advisory in effect tomorrow from 6 am until 6 pm. Winds will be sustained from the south at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts from 35 to 40 mph. Rain and showers will stay in the forecast through the end of the week, and possibly into the weekend. There will be lowering snow levels in the Sierra Nevada foothills around Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Snow levels could drop below 2000', so be aware if you live in the foothills. If you have plans to travel to the mountains, pack a winter survival kit, as weather conditions will be treacherous the next few days. Up to six feet of snow is possible above 6000' through Thursday. Continue to monitor weather conditions, and stay safe and dry. Here is Chico's detailed forecast from the National Weather Service:
Tonight: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 41. South southeast wind between 11 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday: Rain. High near 56. Breezy, with a south southeast wind between 20 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: Rain. Low around 41. Breezy, with a south southeast wind between 18 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Wednesday: Showers before 10am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 10am and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Some of the storms could produce small hail. High near 50. South wind between 8 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: Showers likely, mainly after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. South southeast wind between 9 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 48.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.
Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48.
Friday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.
Saturday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53.
Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Sunday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.
Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Washington's Birthday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.
Tonight: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 41. South southeast wind between 11 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday: Rain. High near 56. Breezy, with a south southeast wind between 20 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: Rain. Low around 41. Breezy, with a south southeast wind between 18 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Wednesday: Showers before 10am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 10am and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Some of the storms could produce small hail. High near 50. South wind between 8 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: Showers likely, mainly after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. South southeast wind between 9 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 48.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.
Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48.
Friday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.
Saturday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53.
Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Sunday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.
Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Washington's Birthday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
wet and windy
This weekend has been stupendous weather-wise, with wall-to-wall sunshine, fairly light winds, and temps both yesterday and today in the upper 60s for highs. Kiss it all goodbye, because it is going to get quite stormy and chilly the next several days. I am almost certain the Sacramento Valley will have a Wind Advisory up within the next 12 to 15 hours, as winds will rapidly increase out of the south/southeast. Wind speeds will be clocked at over 20 mph sustained, with gusts up to 40 mph. Two inches of rain are possible in the valley between Monday and Thursday, while 3-6 inches of rain will fall in the foothills during that same time period. Up to 6 FEET of snow will fall in the Sierra Nevada above 7000'. By Wednesday, colder air may lower the snow level down to 2000' or lower, although accumulating snow is not likely at that elevation. By later in the week the heavy rain will taper to showers in the valley, with highs only in the 40s and 50s. That's a marked change from this weekend! Here are the stormy details for Chico from the National Weather Service:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of rain after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 38. Southeast wind between 6 and 9 mph.
Monday: Rain, mainly after 10am. High near 54. Breezy, with a south southeast wind between 22 and 24 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: Rain. Low around 43. South southeast wind between 15 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday: Rain. High near 56. Breezy, with a south southeast wind between 20 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Tuesday Night: Rain. Low around 37. Breezy, with a south southeast wind between 18 and 24 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Wednesday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Some of the storms could produce small hail. High near 49. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Wednesday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 49.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 33.
Friday: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 48.
Friday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Saturday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 55.
Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of rain after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 38. Southeast wind between 6 and 9 mph.
Monday: Rain, mainly after 10am. High near 54. Breezy, with a south southeast wind between 22 and 24 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: Rain. Low around 43. South southeast wind between 15 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday: Rain. High near 56. Breezy, with a south southeast wind between 20 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Tuesday Night: Rain. Low around 37. Breezy, with a south southeast wind between 18 and 24 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Wednesday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Some of the storms could produce small hail. High near 49. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Wednesday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 49.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 33.
Friday: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 48.
Friday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.
Saturday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 55.
Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
stormy weather on its way
The latest from the National Weather Service:
A SERIES OF LOW PRESSURE SYSTEMS WILL SPREAD VALLEY RAIN AND
MOUNTAIN SNOW ACROSS THE REGION BEGINNING MONDAY AFTERNOON.
PRECIPITATION WILL BE RELATIVELY LIGHT MONDAY...THOUGH GUSTY WINDS
ARE POSSIBLE IN THE MOUNTAINS. A COLD FRONT WILL PUSH INTO
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ON TUESDAY BRINGING HEAVIER PRECIPITATION AND
SOUTH TO SOUTHEAST WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH IN THE VALLEYS. WIND GUSTS
TO OVER 50 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE OVER THE SIERRA.
COLD AIR BEHIND THE FRONT WILL LOWER SNOW LEVELS BELOW 3000 FEET
WEDNESDAY. SNOW MAY THEN IMPACT THE SHASTA COUNTY AND MENDOCINO
MOUNTAINS AS WELL THE SIERRA FOOTHILLS. THIS COLDER AND UNSTABLE
AIR MAY ALSO BRING THUNDERSTORMS TO THE VALLEYS WEDNESDAY AS SNOW
SHOWERS CONTINUE IN THE MOUNTAINS.
LOOKING FARTHER OUT...ANOTHER LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM MAY BRING MORE
RAIN AND SNOW TOWARD THE END OF NEXT WEEK. THERE IS SOME
UNCERTAINTY REGARDING THE EXACT TRACK OF THIS NEXT SYSTEM. INITIAL
ESTIMATES SUGGEST OVER TWO INCHES OF RAIN MAY FALL IN THE VALLEYS
NEXT WEEK...WITH FOUR TO SIX FEET OF SNOW ABOVE 7000 FEET.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECASTS
FOR POSSIBLE WATCHES...WARNINGS AND FURTHER STATEMENTS. BE AWARE THAT A
SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE WEATHER IS EXPECTED NEXT WEEK.
And here's the detailed forecast for Chico:
Today: Sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 8 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Southeast wind between 5 and 8 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming south southeast between 4 and 7 mph.
Sunday Night: A 10 percent chance of rain after 4am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Southeast wind between 6 and 8 mph.
Monday: Rain likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Southeast wind between 7 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: Rain. Low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday: Rain. High near 56. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 41.
Wednesday: Showers. Cloudy, with a high near 55.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Thursday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.
Thursday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 36.
Friday: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 51.
To sum up: Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend, because we're not going to see the sunny, spring-like weather we have been experiencing for quite awhile.
A SERIES OF LOW PRESSURE SYSTEMS WILL SPREAD VALLEY RAIN AND
MOUNTAIN SNOW ACROSS THE REGION BEGINNING MONDAY AFTERNOON.
PRECIPITATION WILL BE RELATIVELY LIGHT MONDAY...THOUGH GUSTY WINDS
ARE POSSIBLE IN THE MOUNTAINS. A COLD FRONT WILL PUSH INTO
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ON TUESDAY BRINGING HEAVIER PRECIPITATION AND
SOUTH TO SOUTHEAST WIND GUSTS TO 40 MPH IN THE VALLEYS. WIND GUSTS
TO OVER 50 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE OVER THE SIERRA.
COLD AIR BEHIND THE FRONT WILL LOWER SNOW LEVELS BELOW 3000 FEET
WEDNESDAY. SNOW MAY THEN IMPACT THE SHASTA COUNTY AND MENDOCINO
MOUNTAINS AS WELL THE SIERRA FOOTHILLS. THIS COLDER AND UNSTABLE
AIR MAY ALSO BRING THUNDERSTORMS TO THE VALLEYS WEDNESDAY AS SNOW
SHOWERS CONTINUE IN THE MOUNTAINS.
LOOKING FARTHER OUT...ANOTHER LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM MAY BRING MORE
RAIN AND SNOW TOWARD THE END OF NEXT WEEK. THERE IS SOME
UNCERTAINTY REGARDING THE EXACT TRACK OF THIS NEXT SYSTEM. INITIAL
ESTIMATES SUGGEST OVER TWO INCHES OF RAIN MAY FALL IN THE VALLEYS
NEXT WEEK...WITH FOUR TO SIX FEET OF SNOW ABOVE 7000 FEET.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECASTS
FOR POSSIBLE WATCHES...WARNINGS AND FURTHER STATEMENTS. BE AWARE THAT A
SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE WEATHER IS EXPECTED NEXT WEEK.
And here's the detailed forecast for Chico:
Today: Sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming south between 5 and 8 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Southeast wind between 5 and 8 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming south southeast between 4 and 7 mph.
Sunday Night: A 10 percent chance of rain after 4am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Southeast wind between 6 and 8 mph.
Monday: Rain likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Southeast wind between 7 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Monday Night: Rain. Low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday: Rain. High near 56. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 41.
Wednesday: Showers. Cloudy, with a high near 55.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Thursday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.
Thursday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 36.
Friday: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 51.
To sum up: Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend, because we're not going to see the sunny, spring-like weather we have been experiencing for quite awhile.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
significant pattern shift
This is what I've been waiting for! From the National Weather Service:
WINDY AND WET WEATHER MAY RETURN NEXT WEEK...
A SERIES OF LOW PRESSURE SYSTEMS MAY SPREAD VALLEY RAIN AND MOUNTAIN
SNOW ACROSS THE REGION BEGINNING MONDAY AFTERNOON. GUSTY SOUTH
WINDS ARE LIKELY IN THE VALLEYS...WITH STRONG SOUTHWEST WINDS IN
THE MOUNTAINS. SNOW LEVELS MAY BE NEAR 5000 FEET MONDAY
AFTERNOON...AND DROP LOWER TUESDAY. TRAVEL ACROSS THE SIERRA IS
LIKELY TO BE IMPACTED WITH THESE STORMS. WINDY AND WET WEATHER MAY
PERSIST THROUGH MID- WEEK. THE LATEST COMPUTER MODELS INDICATE
ANOTHER ROUND OF RAIN AND SNOW MAY THEN DEVELOP TOWARD THE END OF
NEXT WEEK.
THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CHANGE. EVERYONE SHOULD BE AWARE
THAT A PROLONGED PERIOD OF WINDY AND WET WEATHER IS POSSIBLE NEXT
WEEK. IT IS TOO EARLY TO FORECAST HOW MUCH RAIN AND SNOW WILL
FALL. INITIALLY IT APPEARS THAT SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW MAY
FALL IN THE MOUNTAINS...AND STRONG WIND AND RAIN WILL IMPACT THE
VALLEYS NEXT WEEK. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE FORECASTS FOR UPDATES ON THIS DEVELOPING STORMY WEATHER.
I'll have more updates over the next several days. Finally, some stormy weather! How exciting!
WINDY AND WET WEATHER MAY RETURN NEXT WEEK...
A SERIES OF LOW PRESSURE SYSTEMS MAY SPREAD VALLEY RAIN AND MOUNTAIN
SNOW ACROSS THE REGION BEGINNING MONDAY AFTERNOON. GUSTY SOUTH
WINDS ARE LIKELY IN THE VALLEYS...WITH STRONG SOUTHWEST WINDS IN
THE MOUNTAINS. SNOW LEVELS MAY BE NEAR 5000 FEET MONDAY
AFTERNOON...AND DROP LOWER TUESDAY. TRAVEL ACROSS THE SIERRA IS
LIKELY TO BE IMPACTED WITH THESE STORMS. WINDY AND WET WEATHER MAY
PERSIST THROUGH MID- WEEK. THE LATEST COMPUTER MODELS INDICATE
ANOTHER ROUND OF RAIN AND SNOW MAY THEN DEVELOP TOWARD THE END OF
NEXT WEEK.
THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CHANGE. EVERYONE SHOULD BE AWARE
THAT A PROLONGED PERIOD OF WINDY AND WET WEATHER IS POSSIBLE NEXT
WEEK. IT IS TOO EARLY TO FORECAST HOW MUCH RAIN AND SNOW WILL
FALL. INITIALLY IT APPEARS THAT SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW MAY
FALL IN THE MOUNTAINS...AND STRONG WIND AND RAIN WILL IMPACT THE
VALLEYS NEXT WEEK. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE FORECASTS FOR UPDATES ON THIS DEVELOPING STORMY WEATHER.
I'll have more updates over the next several days. Finally, some stormy weather! How exciting!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
beautiful but breezy
The past couple of days in Chico have been sunny and dry, with breezy conditions. High temperatures yesterday and today have ranged from 60-62 degrees. Winds the past two days have been from the north/northwest between 15-25 mph, with occasional gusts over 30 mph. The winds should begin to subside over the next 24 hours as high pressure builds in. Wind flow will still be out of the north generally, but winds will be lighter. Highs the next several days will be mainly in the 60s, with lows in the 30s. Keep your fingers crossed for some rain chances early next week as there are some hints of a pattern change. Right now it looks uncertain as far as precipitation, but hopefully it'll look more certain as we get closer to the actual timeframe. For now, here's what the forecast for Chico looks like the next seven days, courtesy of the National Weather Service:
Tonight: Patchy frost after 10pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 36. North northeast wind between 7 and 9 mph.
Thursday: Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 67. North northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. East wind between 3 and 6 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 69. Northeast wind at 5 mph becoming west.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 65.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Monday: A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 62.
Monday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Tuesday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.
Tonight: Patchy frost after 10pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 36. North northeast wind between 7 and 9 mph.
Thursday: Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 67. North northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. East wind between 3 and 6 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 69. Northeast wind at 5 mph becoming west.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 65.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Monday: A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 62.
Monday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Tuesday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.
Monday, February 7, 2011
bad hair day alert part II
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM PST TUESDAY...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WIND
ADVISORY FOR THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SACRAMENTO AND NORTHERN SAN
JOAQUIN VALLEYS AND THE DELTA...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 7
PM PST TUESDAY .
* WINDS: NORTH WINDS OF 15 TO 30 MPH WITH LOCAL GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH.
* TIMING: WINDS WILL INCREASE TUESDAY MORNING AND THEN WEAKEN
TUESDAY EVENING.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: CHICO...YUBA CITY...SACRAMENTO...FAIRFIELD...STOCKTON.
* IMPACTS: STRONG GUSTY WINDS WILL MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT FOR HIGH
PROFILE VEHICLES. SECURE LOOSE OBJECTS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WINDS OF 35 MPH ARE EXPECTED. WINDS
THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH
PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WIND
ADVISORY FOR THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SACRAMENTO AND NORTHERN SAN
JOAQUIN VALLEYS AND THE DELTA...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 7
PM PST TUESDAY .
* WINDS: NORTH WINDS OF 15 TO 30 MPH WITH LOCAL GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH.
* TIMING: WINDS WILL INCREASE TUESDAY MORNING AND THEN WEAKEN
TUESDAY EVENING.
* LOCATIONS INCLUDE: CHICO...YUBA CITY...SACRAMENTO...FAIRFIELD...STOCKTON.
* IMPACTS: STRONG GUSTY WINDS WILL MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT FOR HIGH
PROFILE VEHICLES. SECURE LOOSE OBJECTS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WINDS OF 35 MPH ARE EXPECTED. WINDS
THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH
PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
breathtakingly gorgeous
Okay, maybe the title of this blog entry is a bit over the top, but it was a beautiful weekend here in Northern California. Chico's high temperature of 75 yesterday broke the old record for February 5th of 73 degrees, while today's high of 74 nearly broke today's record of 75 degrees. As I said in my post yesterday, this is more indicative of mid- March weather. Chico should be stuck in the mid to upper 50s with rain showers this time of year. More trees are blooming and leafing out in Chico, some over a month ahead of schedule. The wildflowers are popping up, as well, and Table Mountain should be beautiful over the next few weeks. Expect dry, sunny days and clear, starry nights through next Friday. Temperatures will remain 5 to 10 degrees above average (average high for Chico is around 58-59 degrees). There is a possibility of this powerful ridge of high pressure breaking down a bit by next Saturday, as a chance of rain finally enters the picture. Check back for updates. For now, here's the seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 41. North northwest wind between 7 and 9 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 67. East northeast wind at 5 mph becoming west northwest.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 33. North wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. North wind between 11 and 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 36. North wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 35.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 65.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.
Saturday: A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 58.
Saturday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Sunday: A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 58.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 41. North northwest wind between 7 and 9 mph.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 67. East northeast wind at 5 mph becoming west northwest.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 33. North wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. North wind between 11 and 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 36. North wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 35.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 65.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.
Saturday: A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 58.
Saturday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Sunday: A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 58.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
bad hair day alert
There is a Wind Advisory for the Sacramento Valley (including Chico) beginning at 9am this morning and lasting until 6pm this evening. A strong high pressure system in the Pacific is moving east, pushing a low pressure system into the intermountain west. That is causing a huge pressure gradient, which results in strong winds at the surface. Winds are expected to be sustained at 15-30 mph, with gusts to 45 mph. A bad hair day, indeed. Yesterday was the warmest February 4th in 105 years, as Chico tied the record for that date at 75 degrees. That's 18 degrees above normal! The reason for this warmth is due to downsloping northerly winds, which compress and warm up the air as it descends from high to low altitudes. Just think if this were August and not February- normal high for August 4th in Chico is around 94 degrees. If you add 18 degrees to that, that would be 112 degrees! Just a little comparison and perspective, I guess. My point is, it is abnormally warm for this time of year, and it will stay that way for a while. In addition, there is no rain in the forecast for at least the next seven days. I fear we're going to have a very dry summer, with fire danger as bad if not worse than 2008. I hope not. Maybe we'll have a wet spring. Here's the warm and windy forecast from the National Weather Service:
Today: Sunny, with a high near 68. North northwest wind between 10 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. North wind between 10 and 14 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 67. North northwest wind between 8 and 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Patchy fog after 10pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 40. North wind around 7 mph.
Monday: Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 63. East northeast wind at 9 mph becoming northwest.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 39.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 37.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
I've noticed the National Weather Service is always conservative in their forecasts. For example, the Wind Advisory states wind gusts today of 45 mph, but the NWS states only 22 mph gusts. Also, yesterday's forecast high temperature in Chico, according to the NWS, was 68 degrees. The actual high temp was 75 degrees. It's a head scratcher!
Today: Sunny, with a high near 68. North northwest wind between 10 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. North wind between 10 and 14 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 67. North northwest wind between 8 and 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Patchy fog after 10pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 40. North wind around 7 mph.
Monday: Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 63. East northeast wind at 9 mph becoming northwest.
Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 39.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 37.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
I've noticed the National Weather Service is always conservative in their forecasts. For example, the Wind Advisory states wind gusts today of 45 mph, but the NWS states only 22 mph gusts. Also, yesterday's forecast high temperature in Chico, according to the NWS, was 68 degrees. The actual high temp was 75 degrees. It's a head scratcher!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
not much change to the forecast
For those of you jonesing for a powerful storm or two to move through our area, keep jonesing. We aren't getting any stormy weather for the next seven days. What we are getting is very warm, spring-like weather in early February- mainly mid to upper 60s for highs. We see these temps normally in middle to late March. We still need some rain and snow to supply us with enough water for the hot, dry summer ahead. Chico so far has seen just over 16 inches this rainy season (normal for an entire rainy season- mid- October through April- is 26 inches). I will need to research to see what % of normal the Sierra snowpack is up to this date, but I'm sure it's not too far above average. Maybe we'll get some good stormy weather in the next few weeks. For now, enjoy the abnormally warm weather! I'm sure many people back east would kill for our weather! Here's the latest forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 34. Calm wind becoming northeast around 6 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 68. North northwest wind between 3 and 6 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. North northwest wind between 5 and 8 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 68. North northwest wind between 7 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. North northwest wind between 8 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 66.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 64.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 61.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 34. Calm wind becoming northeast around 6 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 68. North northwest wind between 3 and 6 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. North northwest wind between 5 and 8 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 68. North northwest wind between 7 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. North northwest wind between 8 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 66.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 64.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 61.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 62.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
no rain on the horizon
Wow, this is a pretty easy forecast for the next seven days for Chico: dry, sunny days and chilly, clear nights. Highs will range from the upper 50s to mid 60s, while lows will be in the mid 30s to around 40 degrees. This saves me from having to cut and paste the forecast from the National Weather Service! While most of the nation bears the brunt of nasty winter weather today and tomorrow, we here in Northern California are basking in the sunshine and spring-like temps. Yesterday's high temperature in Chico was 66 degrees! Today's high so far has been 63 degrees! I noticed when I was walking out of my gym today that some of the less mature ash trees were beginning to leaf out. It's only February 1st, and some of the trees in Chico already have young leaves on them! Usually the fruit-bearing trees are first to bloom, normally around the first full week of February. Ash trees (at least as far as I know) do not bear fruit (like the pear, apple, or plum), so I did a double take when I saw tiny little green leaves poking out from the branches of these ash trees. The more mature ash trees haven't begun leafing out yet. It was somewhat of a strange sight to see. I just hope these trees aren't damaged when we have our next inevitable frost or freeze. Oh, back to referring to the title of this blog. No rain is in the forecast for at least the next week, and perhaps even longer. It seems like we had a boat-load of rain and snow for December, and then Mother Nature turned off the spigot once 2011 was ushered in. I just wonder if we'll have a stormy spring. Only time will tell. For now, pray for more rain and enjoy the beautiful weather!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)