It would seem that March 2011 has been exceedingly wet in Chico. Our normal rainfall for March is 4.32". Chico has actually measured about that amount, with over half of the monthly average falling this past week- 2.27", to be exact. That's why there have been so many flooding concerns. Well, the heavy rains of this week combined with runoff from the foothills have swelled the creeks and rivers down in the valley. The Sacramento River at Ord Ferry, west of Chico, is expected to crest tomorrow at 115 feet (flood stage is 114 feet). Some back roads around this area are now closed due to higher than normal water levels. Also, I've heard that some areas of the Sierra Nevada, such as Lake Tahoe, have received over 5 FEET of snow this past week! Lake Tahoe has now received over 60 feet of snow this winter! This is definitely good news for the snowpack here in California. Interestingly, Chico does not rely on snowpack for its water supply. Groundwater wells are the main source of water for Chico, due to a very high (and deep) water table in the Sacramento Valley. Must be because this area was once a vast inland sea millions of years ago! Anyway, one more showery and breezy day today before the sunshine makes a glorious return tomorrow. The sun and warmer temperatures will remain in the forecast through next weekend, so get out and plant your garden (if you have one, or want one)! We may even see 80 degrees by the end of the week! Talk about a huge swing in temperatures! Highs this past week were barely in the mid 50s, and now we may see 80 degrees! I love weather! Here is the seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service:
Today: Showers likely, mainly after 11am. Increasing clouds, with a high near 55. South southeast wind 8 to 11 mph increasing to between 18 and 21 mph. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. South southeast wind 17 to 20 mph decreasing to between 6 and 9 mph. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. North northeast wind around 6 mph becoming west.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. North northeast wind around 8 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming west.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 53.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 78.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 52.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.
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