now it looks dry for the next week

Good news for sun worshippers! It looks like the next seven days look dry and sunny! And the temperatures will finally moderate to around normal levels! We should be in the mid 50s for highs this time of year. It has felt very chilly the past couple of weeks, especially with the rain and wind. Now we're entering a quiet period weather wise, so expect some nice weather for the next several days. The weather for New Year's Eve festivities should be nice if you plan on being out and about tonight. Temperatures at midnight in Chico should be in the 30s; a bit on the chilly side, so bundle up. However, there will be no rain, so no need to bring the umbrella. The Polar Bear Plunge is tomorrow at 12:30 pm at Sycamore Pool in Lower Bidwell Park. I don't know what the water temperature in the pool is right now, but I am reasonably confident it is COLD! The air temperature for the Plunge should be in the mid to upper 40s. Brrr!! I applaud those brave enough to don Speedos and jump into the cold water. I know I couldn't do it. It's a fun way to ring in the new year, though. Have a safe and happy 2013, everyone! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 52. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Tonight Patchy frost after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 24. Calm wind. New Year's Day Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 51. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Tuesday Night Patchy frost after 10pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 26. North wind 3 to 5 mph. Wednesday Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 54. Light west wind. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

no new storms on the horizon

It's been pretty quiet weather in Chico the past few days. Despite the high thin clouds yesterday, it was still nice weather. The visibility was excellent, as one could see the snow-covered Trinity Alps west of Redding from Chico, over 100 miles away. Both the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east, and the Coast Mountains to the west, are covered in snow. The snow-covered mountains were very pretty against the (mainly) blue skies yesterday. Quiet weather should persist for the next few days, with below normal highs and lows for temperatures. The next chance for showers arrives towards the end of next week, and may persist into next weekend. For now, enjoy the sunny, albeit chilly weather the next few days. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 50. North northwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Tonight Patchy frost after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 28. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 5 mph after midnight. Monday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Light west northwest wind. Monday Night Patchy fog after 4am. Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Light north wind. New Year's Day Patchy fog before 10am. Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 51. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Thursday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. Thursday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Friday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Friday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Saturday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. I'll update the New Year's Eve forecast in my next blog entry tomorrow.

so far it looks dry for New Year's

Yesterday was sunny, albeit slightly chilly, with highs right around 50 degrees in Chico. Today will be less sunny and more cloudy, as a weak cold front moves through over the next 24 hours. There is a slight chance of rain this afternoon, a better chance of rain overnight tonight, and a diminishing chance tomorrow as skies turn partly sunny tomorrow afternoon. Right now the weather looks dry for New Year's Eve celebrations, but it will be chilly. I predict temps around midnight on New Year's Day will be on either side of 40 degrees, so wear a coat to keep warm if out and about celebrating. The next chance for rain appears to be next Wednesday night and into Thursday. Have a great last weekend of 2012! Here is Chico's forecast from the National Weather Service: Today A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 4pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Light and variable wind. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tonight A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers before 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. Northwest wind around 6 mph. Saturday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Light northeast wind. Sunday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Calm wind becoming north around 6 mph in the morning. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Monday Night A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. New Year's Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Wednesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Wednesday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Thursday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51.

slight chance of rain for the weekend

Chico received about half an inch of rain from yesterday's storm. Winds were not much of a factor, as they only gusted to around 20 mph at times. This storm will linger through today, but will move out overnight tonight. This will allow us to dry out for the day tomorrow before another chance of rain enters for Friday and Saturday. These chances of rain for this weekend are slight, however, and most areas may not see much of any rain at all. Sunday through New Year's Day look sunny and mild, with highs in the 50s. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Showers likely, mainly before 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 49. Calm wind becoming south southeast 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tonight A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly before 10pm. Areas of frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Calm wind. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Thursday Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Northwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Thursday Night Patchy fog after 10pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 31. North wind 3 to 6 mph. Friday A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Light northwest wind. Friday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. Saturday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 36. Monday Sunny, with a high near 52. Monday Night Clear, with a low around 33. New Year's Day Sunny, with a high near 54.

more rain for Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve! That storm we had yesterday was awesome! Winds gusted to nearly 50 mph in Chico, and .71 of an inch of rain fell in the city. My power went out around 1:30 yesterday afternoon, just as the storm was beginning to wind down. Frankly, I'm surprised the power did not go out sooner, as the winds had been blowing since around 4 am. We get a much- needed break from the storminess today, as sunshine returns. Currently in Chico it is a chilly 39 degrees, with some scattered frost and patchy fog in some outlying areas. Once the sun rises about ten minutes from now, temps will respond and warm into the upper 40s to lower 50s by this afternoon. Another storm arrives tomorrow, with some gusty winds, as well (though not nearly as strong as yesterday's winds). This next storm will be out of here by Wednesday, and we should see a nice stretch of dry, sunny weather after that. High temperatures through the end of this week will remain in the upper 40s, with lower to middle 50s for the weekend. Nice! I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, and thanks again for reading my blog this year. I hope it has been entertaining and informative. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. West northwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 5 mph. Christmas Day Rain likely, mainly after 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 47. Southeast wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tuesday Night Rain. Low around 38. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Wednesday Showers likely, mainly before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Wednesday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 51. Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.

High Wind Warning in effect

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON. THIS REPLACES THE WIND ADVISORY THROUGH 2 PM. THE WIND ADVISORY WILL CONTINUE FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON. * WINDS: SOUTHEAST 20 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS 35 TO 50 MPH...EXCEPT OVER THE EAST SIDE OF THE VALLEY THROUGH 2 PM WINDS AT TIMES ARE EXPECTED TO SURFACE THAT WILL RANGE BETWEEN 35 AND 45 MPH WITH GUSTS BETWEEN 50 AND 60 MPH. * TIMING: THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: STOCKTON...MODESTO...SACRAMENTO...CHICO ...REDDING...LAKEPORT. * IMPACTS: BROKEN TREE BRANCHES AND DOWNED TREES AND FENCES. POWER OUTAGES LIKELY...VERY DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES AND BLOWING DEBRIS.

Another Wind Advisory for Sunday

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY FOR THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY...DELTA...NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AND SOUTHERN LAKE COUNTY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 4 PM PST SUNDAY. * WINDS: SOUTHEAST 20 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS 35 TO 50 MPH. LOCALLY STRONGER SUSTAINED WINDS AND WIND GUSTS WILL BE POSSIBLE. * TIMING: SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: STOCKTON...MODESTO...SACRAMENTO...CHICO... REDDING...LAKEPORT * IMPACTS: WEAKEN TREES BLOWN OVER AND BROKEN TREE BRANCHES. LOCAL POWER OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE. DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT SUSTAINED WINDS OF AT LEAST 25 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH GUSTS AT LEAST 40 MPH OR GREATER. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION.

it is wet!

Chico has received 3.18 inches of rain the past two days. To put that in perspective, Chico receives about 4.5 inches for the entire month of December on average. That is impressive! Rain will continue for Chico today, tonight, and tomorrow as another storm moves in. A Wind Advisory is up until noon today for southerly winds sustained at 20-30 mph and gusts to 45 mph. Snow continues to pile up in the Sierra, with some foothills locations receiving six inches or more the past 24 hours. A Winter Storm Warning continues to be in effect for elevations above 2500 feet through tomorrow. Another 1-2 feet of snow are likely. The sun returns briefly on Monday and Christmas Day before another storm rolls in Tuesday night. That system moves out by Thursday before another chance of rain appears on Friday. It's a very active weather pattern lately! I love it! Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Rain and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 47. South southeast wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Tonight Rain. Low around 42. Southeast wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Sunday Rain. High near 49. Southeast wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Sunday Night Showers likely, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Southeast wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Light and variable wind. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Christmas Day A 30 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Tuesday Night Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Wednesday Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Wednesday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Friday A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 48.

Flood Advisory

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED AN * URBAN AND SMALL STREAM FLOOD ADVISORY FOR... NORTHEASTERN COLUSA COUNTY... NORTHWESTERN SUTTER COUNTY... WEST CENTRAL YUBA COUNTY... WESTERN BUTTE COUNTY... EASTERN GLENN COUNTY... * UNTIL 915 PM PST * STEADY RAINFALL HAS CAUSED LOCAL SMALL STREAM AND ROADWAY FLOODING IN PORTIONS OF THE CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY. AN OFF DUTY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE EMPLOYEE REPORTED ROADWAY FLOODING ALONG HIGHWAY 99 NORTH OF CHICO AROUND ANITA ROAD AT 315 PM. STEADY MODERATE RAINFALL WILL ALSO BE AFFECTING HIGHWAYS 99 AND 70...NORTH OF MARYSVILLE AND YUBA CITY...AND TOWARDS OROVILLE THROUGH EARLY EVENING. PONDING OF WATER ON ROADWAYS IS POSSIBLE ALONG WITH FLOODING OF SMALL STREAMS AND CREEKS IN THESE AREAS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... EXCESSIVE RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CAUSE ELEVATED LEVELS ON SMALL CREEKS AND STREAMS...AND PONDING OF WATER ON COUNTRY ROADS AND FARMLAND ALONG THE BANKS OF CREEKS AND STREAMS. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. THE WATER DEPTH MAY BE TOO GREAT TO ALLOW YOUR CAR TO CROSS SAFELY. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND. So far today, Chico has received over two and a quarter inches of rain, with more on the way. Be careful out and about this evening.

messy weather

The Chico Enterprise Record (the local news rag) is stating there are numerous hazardous travel conditions in our area due to the storm that's currently dumping copious amounts of rain and snow on us. Interstate 5 north of Redding is requiring chains due to heavy snow falling; Upper Skyway between Paradise and Magalia also requires chains due to snow. There is a report of urban flooding in Chico at the bottom of the northbound ramp from Hwy 32 onto Hwy 99. Currently the snow level is between 2000-2500 feet, with moderate to occasionally heavy rain falling in the lower elevations. Winds at times have gusted to over 30 mph. All of this is contributing to not-so-fun travel conditions, so if driving today, be extra careful. Also, to see where the snow is falling compared to the rainfall, click on the weather.com site on the right side of my main page. The weather.com radar delineates blue as snowfall and green as rainfall. This will give you a good idea of where the snow is actually falling.

Winter Storm Warning for foothill communities

This includes Paradise, Magalia, and Forest Ranch residents: THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND/OR BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 PM PST FRIDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 8 TO 16 INCHES. * SNOW LEVELS: SNOW LEVELS WILL INITIALLY BE 1000 TO 2000 FEET TODAY THEN GRADUALLY RISE TO 3000 FEET BY FRIDAY AFTERNOON. * TIMING: SNOW WILL BEGIN THIS AFTERNOON WITH PERIODS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: PARADISE AND AREA HIGHWAYS. * WINDS: SOUTHEAST 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH. * IMPACTS: SNOW WILL LIKELY IMPACT TRAVEL ON AREA ROADS AND HIGHWAYS. CHAIN REQUIREMENTS ARE LIKELY. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT... FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

cold and stormy Christmas weekend

Interesting that we are expected to have a very stormy and wet weekend, yet there is no Special Weather Statement from the National Weather Service about it. There IS a statement about heavy snow impacting the foothills and mountains of the Sierra Nevada this weekend. Places such as upper Paradise, Forest Ranch, and Magalia could see over a FOOT of snow between late Thursday and Sunday. Even locations as low as 1700 feet could see several inches of the white stuff late this week. At this time, a Winter Storm Watch has been posted for elevations above 1500 feet in the Sierra Nevada foothills for all of this expected snow. This could turn into a Winter Storm Warning over the next 24 hours as the first in a series of storms gets closer. For the valley, expect about an inch of rain with this first storm, due to arrive later tomorrow. Also expect gusty winds from the southeast up to 35 mph. There is rain (or snow- depending on your elevation) all through the weekend, so if traveling for the Christmas holiday, factor in hazardous weather conditions. By Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the rain should end and sunny weather return. Here is Chico's seven day outlook from the National Weather Service: Today A slight chance of sprinkles after 4pm. Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Calm wind becoming southeast 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Tonight A slight chance of sprinkles before 10pm, then a slight chance of sprinkles after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Southeast wind around 11 mph. Thursday A chance for sprinkles, then rain likely, mainly after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 50. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Thursday Night Rain. Low around 37. East southeast wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Friday Rain. High near 47. Southeast wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Friday Night Rain. Low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Saturday Rain. High near 48. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Saturday Night Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 37. Sunday Showers. Cloudy, with a high near 47. Sunday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Monday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Christmas Day Partly sunny, with a high near 51.

active weather pattern

Chico experienced a thunderstorm yesterday evening that contained small hail, thunder and lightning, and heavy rain. The storm was very isolated, and skirted the east side of Chico as it moved south toward Oroville. I was driving into the storm last night as I was coming home from work. I thought I was back in Florida! I almost stopped to pull to the side of the road to wait out the heavy rain as I could not see very well. Within moments, however, the rain eased as I was driving out of the storm. Also yesterday morning, there was a Wind Advisory posted, as winds gusted up and over 30 mph. The winds eased after 9 am, and the sun even shone through the clouds for the afternoon. Expect a brief lull before more storms arrive later this week. Today and tomorrow will be sunny, but chilly, with highs only in the upper 40s to lower 50s. Wednesday night, rain returns, and will last through Sunday. It appears we'll be measuring rainfall in inches in the valley, and feet of snow in the mountains. Speaking of snow, some of the precipitation in the Redding and Shasta Lake areas (well north of Chico) may fall as snow. That's because it is expected to be very chilly tonight and tomorrow night in those areas, so Redding may see 2-4 inches of snow Wednesday night before transitioning to all rain by Thursday. No snow is expected for Chico, but some foothills locations such as Magalia may see snow initially before turning over to rain late Wednesday into early Thursday. It will also be very breezy Thursday, with southeasterly wind gusts reaching 40 mph for the valley. Calm weather returns by Christmas Eve. Here is Chico's detailed forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. North northwest wind 6 to 13 mph. Tonight Patchy frost after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 29. North wind around 7 mph. Wednesday A 10 percent chance of rain after 4pm. Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Calm wind. Wednesday Night Rain likely, mainly after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 34. Southeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Thursday Rain. High near 45. Southeast wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Thursday Night Rain. Low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Friday Rain. High near 45. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Friday Night Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 41. Saturday Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 48. Saturday Night Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 40. Sunday Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 47. Sunday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.

a very wet period ahead

Well, the weather forecast has changed again. Now it looks like we are entering a very wet and unsettled period. Yesterday was wet in Chico, with .20 of an inch falling. Highs yesterday were stuck in the lower 40s, with 30s for highs in the foothill communities east of Chico. Warmer air will overtake the region later today, pushing snow levels up to above 3000 feet. There may still be some leftover snow showers down to 1700 feet this morning, though, so be careful on the roads. Rain remains in the picture tonight, tomorrow, and Tuesday before we see a slight break on Wednesday. However, we may see more powerful storms beginning Thursday and lasting through the weekend before Christmas. At this time, it's hard to predict how much precipitation will fall over the next seven days, so keep checking back for updates. At least for the next 24 hours, expect rain and breezy conditions for Chico as the first of many storms affects us this coming week. Here are the specifics from the National Weather Service: Today Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 47. Southeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tonight Rain. Low around 44. Southeast wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Monday Rain, mainly before 4pm. High near 50. South southeast wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Monday Night Showers likely, mainly after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 35. East southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tuesday A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Light west northwest wind. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Wednesday A 20 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Wednesday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Thursday Rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Thursday Night Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Friday Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Friday Night Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Saturday Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51.

snow for Paradise

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR THE EASTERN FOOTHILLS OF THE NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST SUNDAY. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 4 INCHES. * TIMING: THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: PARADISE. * WINDS: LIGHT WINDS. * IMPACTS: SLICK ROADS. CHAIN REQUIREMENTS AND TRAVEL DELAYS POSSIBLE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING. If you live in Paradise and are shopping in Chico this afternoon, be careful heading home up the Skyway, as snow may be falling. Slick roads are a possibility driving in the foothills east of Chico this evening and overnight. Use caution.

wet and chilly weather

It was quite chilly today in Chico, with a high temperature of 50 degrees. It will be quite chilly tonight, as the expected low dips into the upper 20s! Patchy frost is possible tomorrow morning, so cover any tender vegetation. Rain is likely for much of this weekend and into early next week as a series of storms move through our region. The next dry day looks to be next Wednesday; the dry weather should stick around into next weekend. However, the cold air pouring in from the Gulf of Alaska will stick around through much of the forecast period. Hey, it'll get you into the Christmas spirit, right? Speaking of getting into the Christmas spirit, the Northstate Symphony Orchestra is having a Christmas concert this evening in Chico. Also, the Nutcracker is being staged by the Chico Community Ballet all this weekend at Laxson Auditorium. Check out the Chico News and Review for times and ticket info. Have a safe and merry weekend! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Calm wind. Saturday Rain likely, mainly after 4pm. Patchy frost before 7am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Light south southeast wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Saturday Night Rain likely, mainly before 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Sunday A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 49. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Sunday Night A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Southeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Monday Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Monday Night Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Tuesday Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Tuesday Night A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Wednesday Night Patchy fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Thursday Night Patchy fog. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.

feeling like Christmas

If at least not LOOKING like Christmas (no snow on the ground-- it doesn't snow in Chico very often). As I type this, it is 33 degrees in Chico. Brrr! Not much rain fell with this last system-- less than a quarter of an inch in Chico-- but more wet weather is on the way. It looks like the best chance for rain at this time is Saturday night. It will remain chilly, with highs only climbing into the low 50s after lows in the mid 30s both Friday and Saturday mornings. Lows climb into the upper 30s/ lower 40s Sunday morning through Tuesday morning as somewhat milder Pacific air is brought in by subsequent weather systems. These additional systems will also bring more showers to our area. It doesn't look like a pleasant weekend to go holiday shopping, but, thankfully, most of the shopping is indoors! Here's Chico's seven day outlook from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Tonight A 10 percent chance of rain after 5am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Light northeast wind. Friday A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Light and variable wind. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday Night A 20 percent chance of showers before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Calm wind. Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 51. Calm wind becoming south southeast 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Saturday Night Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Sunday A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Sunday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Monday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Monday Night Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Tuesday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. Tuesday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Wednesday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51.

becoming chilly and unsettled

The nice stretch of dry, mild weather will be coming to an end today. It'll be mostly sunny, but a chance of showers will creep into the area late this afternoon. A cold front will be sweeping through our region tonight, bringing rain and breezy conditions with it. We won't see the drenching rains from a little over a week ago with this storm, though. Behind the front, temperatures will drop, with highs only in the upper 40s tomorrow with light rain showers. The snow level will drop to around 2500-3000 feet by Wednesday morning. Expect up to a foot of snow above 5000 feet, with 3-6 inches down to 3000 feet by Wednesday afternoon. It will remain chilly and unsettled through the weekend, with another potent storm for Saturday. It's definitely beginning to look and feel like Christmas! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today A 30 percent chance of rain after 4pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Light east southeast wind becoming south southeast 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Tonight Rain, mainly after 10pm. Low around 40. Southeast wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Wednesday Showers, mainly before 4pm. High near 49. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Wednesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Light and variable wind. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Light and variable wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Friday A 30 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. Friday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Saturday A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Saturday Night Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Sunday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Sunday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Monday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 55.

mild days, cold nights

The Dense Fog Advisory issued for the Sacramento Valley yesterday morning was not needed, as there were never any problems with visibility in Chico. Oh, well. Yesterday was beautiful in Chico, with partly sunny skies and a high temperature of 62 degrees (normal for December 8th is 58). It sure has been chilly in the mornings, though. Lows have been dipping into the mid 30s (normal for this time of year is 37). OK, so we're not that much off the mark as far as actual vs. average lows, but it has still been chilly. The mild days/ chilly nights scenario will continue the next few days, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s. A cooldown will begin midweek, with highs by Wednesday in the mid 50s, along with a chance of rain. High temps will remain in the 50s through next weekend. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 64. North northwest wind 7 to 11 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 33. North wind around 6 mph. Monday Sunny, with a high near 63. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Light and variable wind. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 61. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Tuesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Wednesday A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. Wednesday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Saturday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 56.

Dense Fog Advisory for this morning

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A DENSE FOG ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PST THIS MORNING. * TIMING: AREAS OF DENSE FOG CAN BE EXPECTED THROUGH LATE MORNING. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: MARYSVILLE...SACRAMENTO...STOCKTON...MODESTO. * IMPACTS: VISIBILITIES BELOW 1/4 MILE IMPACTING TRAVEL. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A DENSE FOG ADVISORY MEANS VISIBILITIES WILL FREQUENTLY BE REDUCED TO LESS THAN ONE QUARTER MILE. IF DRIVING...SLOW DOWN... USE YOUR HEADLIGHTS...AND LEAVE PLENTY OF DISTANCE AHEAD OF YOU.

Nice stretch of weather

Well, the sun finally came out today after three days of clouds and gloom. The day started out foggy and gray, but the sun began to peek through right before noon. The sunset this evening was spectacular; unfortunately, I was driving home at the time and could not get a photo. We should see more spectacular sunsets as skies will remain mainly cloud-free for the next several days. High temps will be mostly in the upper 50s to low 60s, and overnight lows in the upper 30s/ lower 40s. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting takes place tomorrow night at the Downtown Plaza in Chico. The festivities start around 6pm. The weather should be very nice, with clear skies and temps in the lower 50s. Bring a jacket, but leave the umbrella at home. Here is Chico's seven day outlook from the National Weather Service: Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 40. North northwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Friday Sunny, with a high near 59. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 39. North northwest wind 6 to 11 mph. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 60. North northwest wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 40. North wind 10 to 13 mph. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 59. Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 38. Monday Sunny, with a high near 62. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 60. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

nice stretch of dry weather

Chico has received 1.21 inches of rain the past 24 hours, with temperatures stuck in the mid 50s. The gray, drizzly weather will persist this morning, but hopefully the sun will peek through the clouds later today as this weather system moves out. Tomorrow the sun really returns, and stays with us through the middle of next week. This will allow Chico to dry out from the recent heavy rains. Highs the next seven days will be in the upper 50s, which is where we should be this time of year. Overnight lows will be in the upper 30s to around 40 degrees. Enjoy the sunshine! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Showers, mainly before 10am. High near 56. South southeast wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Calm wind. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 6 mph in the evening. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 58. Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 39. Monday Sunny, with a high near 61. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.

a brief break before more rain

Chico and Butte County remain under a Flood Warning until 10 am this morning for urban and small creek flooding. Today will be dry and partly sunny, a brief break before more rain comes in late tonight. Tomorrow and Wednesday look wet, and Chico may see another half an inch to an inch of rainfall from this next storm. Since last Wednesday, Chico has received over five and a third inches of rain. For some perspective, that total is the average amount of rainfall we typically see for the entire month of January! The rest of this week beyond Wednesday looks nice and dry, with sunshine and seasonal temperatures. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 59. Calm wind becoming south southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Tonight A 50 percent chance of rain after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tuesday Rain. High near 57. Southeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Tuesday Night Rain. Low around 49. Southeast wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Wednesday Showers, mainly before 4pm. High near 59. South southeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Wednesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

some damage from today's storm

Here is some wind and flooding damage in Chico from last night and early this morning. Pretty dramatic pictures, with Five Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park almost completely submerged. The gas station that suffered the damage is located on 8th Street just west of Hwy 99. This was a serious storm!

update on the latest storm

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A * FLOOD WATCH FOR A PORTION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY AND NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY. * FROM 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON * FLOODING WILL REMAIN POSSIBLE AROUND LOW LYING AREAS NEAR THE UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER...ESPECIALLY AROUND RED BLUFF THROUGH MONDAY. SOME CREEKS THAT MAY EXPERIENCE CONTINUED FLOODING INCLUDE COW CREEK...COTTONWOOD CREEK...BATTLE CREEK...CLEAR CREEK...DRY CREEK...BUTTE CREEK. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP. In addition, there is a Small Stream and Urban Flood Advisory until 10:30 am this morning for Chico and all of Butte County for the potential of street flooding. Also, three bodies of water flow through Chico: Big Chico Creek, Little Chico Creek, and Lindo Channel. Of course, Lindo Channel is a human-made bypass for Big Chico Creek's excessive runoff, but even Lindo Channel is nearly overflowing at this time. Many homes and neighborhoods are adjacent to Lindo Channel and both Big and Little Chico Creek. Be ready to move if you see the water begin to rise. Heavy rain has inundated our area since last evening. So far at the time of this blog posting, Chico has received nearly two inches of rain since yesterday evening, with more coming. At my house in the foothills east of Chico, elevation 1500 feet, my rain gauge has measured nearly 4 inches of rain in the past 24 hours. The rain should taper to showers this morning, and the showers should end by later this afternoon. Be safe out there!

one more storm

Let's do it one more time! There is another storm, the third in the series, to affect our area today and tonight. But first, how much rain has Chico received in the past 24 hours ending at 8 pm last night? Why, only 2.30 inches! The creeks and bypasses are overflowing currently, and this latest storm could only make conditions worse. The ground is already saturated, and any more heavy rain we receive will now just run off into those already overflowing creeks. A Flood Watch continues to be in effect until Monday afternoon, while a Wind Advisory will go into effect beginning at 10 pm tonight and last until 10 am tomorrow (Sunday). Wind gusts in excess of 40 mph in the valley, and 50 mph in the foothills, are likely during that time period. Chico could receive another 1 to 3 inches of rain between now and tomorrow afternoon. Some mountain locations east of Chico could get another 10 inches of rain! Snow will be confined to above 7000 feet, as this is a very warm storm tapping into subtropical moisture. Monday should be calm, but another storm has its sights set on us Tuesday. Chances of rain linger through Wednesday, then it should dry out for Thursday and Friday (fingers crossed). Here is Chico's seven day outlook from the National Weather Service: Today Rain. High near 61. South southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tonight Rain. Low around 54. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 25 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. Sunday Showers. High near 57. Windy, with a south wind 21 to 31 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible. Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. East southeast wind 7 to 10 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Calm wind. Monday Night A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Tuesday Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Tuesday Night Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Wednesday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Wednesday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

rain train

The rain train continues. Chico has received 2.75 inches of rain the past two days, with more on the way. At my house in the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Chico, 3.35 inches have accumulated. Today will see off and on showers, with heavier rain tonight and tomorrow night. We have one more big storm to contend with, arriving tomorrow and lasting into Sunday. Chico could see another 2-5 inches of rain between now and Sunday. A Flood Watch is still in effect through Sunday for potentially flooding rains, while a Flood Advisory is in effect for Butte County until 5:15 this afternoon for urban and small stream flooding. Winds have also been a factor, with a peak gust in Chico yesterday of 40 mph. The Wind Advisory is still in effect until 10 am Sunday. Sustained winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts to 40 mph, may cause power outages and difficult driving conditions. Some good news: the sun should return (briefly) by Monday. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Showers. High near 59. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 20 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Tonight Rain. Low around 53. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 20 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Saturday Rain. High near 58. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 20 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Saturday Night Rain. Low around 53. Breezy, with a southeast wind around 22 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. Sunday Showers. High near 57. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 59. Monday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Tuesday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Tuesday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Wednesday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Wednesday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 57.

updates from the National Weather Service

Figured I'd post all of the warnings and advisories before I lose power (again). FLOOD WARNING NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SACRAMENTO CA 323 PM PST THU NOV 29 2012 CAC007-011-021-033-035-057-063-089-091-101-103-113-115-302300- /O.NEW.KSTO.FA.W.0001.121129T2323Z-121130T2300Z/ /00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/ YOLO CA-SIERRA CA-NEVADA CA-COLUSA CA-PLUMAS CA-SUTTER CA-LASSEN CA- LAKE CA-YUBA CA-SHASTA CA-GLENN CA-TEHAMA CA-BUTTE CA- 323 PM PST THU NOV 29 2012 THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A * FLOOD WARNING FOR URBAN AREAS AND SMALL STREAMS IN... COLUSA COUNTY... NEVADA COUNTY.. SUTTER COUNTY... NORTHWESTERN YOLO COUNTY.. YUBA COUNTY... BUTTE COUNTY... GLENN COUNTY... LAKE COUNTY... EXTREME WEST CENTRAL LASSEN COUNTY... WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTY... SHASTA COUNTY... WESTERN SIERRA COUNTY... TEHAMA COUNTY... * UNTIL 315 PM PST FRIDAY * AT 315 PM PST BANDS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY RAINFALL ARE DEVELOPING OVER MUCH OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE NIGHT AND INTO FRIDAY. RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 1 TO 2 INCHES WILL FALL OVER THE NEXT 3 HOURS ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER ELEVATIONS. TOTAL AMOUNTS FROM 2 TO 3 INCHES OVER THE VALLEY AND 4 TO 8 INCHES OVER THE MOUNTAINS WILL OCCUR OVER THE NEXT 24 HOURS. THIS HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CAUSE SEVERAL SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS FOR THE WARNED AREA. * RAPID RISES AND SMALL STREAM FLOODING WILL OCCUR IN MANY AREA STREAMS. SOME CREEKS THAT ARE LIKELY TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT FLOODING INCLUDE COW CREEK...COTTONWOOD CREEK...BATTLE CREEK...CLEAR CREEK...DRY CREEK...BUTTE CREEK. * MOUNTAIN RIVER AND STREAM FLOODING ABOVE THE RESERVOIRS WILL OCCUR ALONG WITH WIDESPREAD MUD AND ROCK SLIDES. * DEBRIS FLOWS WILL OCCUR...ESPECIALLY NEAR RECENT BURN SCARS IN SHASTA...TEHAMA...COLUSA...AND PLUMAS COUNTIES. * WEIR OVERFLOW THROUGH BYPASSES WILL OCCUR AS THE SACRAMENTO RIVER SYSTEM IN THE VALLEY WILL RISE. A FLOOD WARNING MEANS THAT FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR HAS BEEN REPORTED. STREAM RISES WILL BE SLOW AND FLASH FLOODING IS NOT EXPECTED. HOWEVER...ALL INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS IMMEDIATELY. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... MOST FLOOD RELATED DEATHS OCCUR IN AUTOMOBILES. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS WATER COVERED BRIDGES...DIPS...OR LOW WATER CROSSINGS. NEVER TRY TO CROSS A FLOWING STREAM...EVEN A SMALL ONE...ON FOOT. TO ESCAPE RISING WATER MOVE UP TO HIGHER GROUND. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF FLOOD WATERS. ONLY A FEW INCHES OF RAPIDLY FLOWING WATER CAN QUICKLY CARRY AWAY YOUR VEHICLE. && LAT...LON 3950 12308 3955 12289 4034 12308 4058 12271 4070 12276 4119 12248 4119 12135 4059 12133 4045 12107 4026 12108 4017 12088 3970 12072 3963 12049 3945 12038 3902 12150 3858 12213 3884 12231 3870 12249 3874 12273 3908 12310 $$ CS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flood Watch FLOOD WATCH NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SACRAMENTO CA 412 PM PST THU NOV 29 2012 ...SIGNIFICANT FLOODING OVER THE WEEKEND... .HEAVY PRECIPITATION WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE WEEKEND. CONFIDENCE IS HIGH IN A PROLONGED PERIOD OF MODERATE TO HEAVY PRECIPITATION. THE TWO HEAVIEST TIMES OF PRECIPITATION WILL OCCUR TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY AND THEN AGAIN SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY. THE HEAVIEST RAIN WILL BE OVER SHASTA COUNTY ALONG WITH BUTTE AND WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTIES WHERE AMOUNTS OF 12 TO 18 INCHES OR MORE WILL BE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE WEEKEND. IN THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY... AMOUNTS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES WITH HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE THROUGH THE WEEKEND. 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE IN THE NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY BY SUNDAY. URBAN AND SMALL STREAM FLOODING WILL BECOME LIKELY IN THE VALLEY AND WEIR OVERFLOW THROUGH BYPASSES WILL OCCUR. LARGE RIVERS IN THE VALLEY WILL RISE...THE UPPER SACRAMENTO WILL LIKELY EXCEED FLOOD STAGE AT BY SEVERAL FEET AT A NUMBER OF LOCATIONS THIS WEEKEND AND INTO MONDAY. DEBRIS FLOWS ARE POSSIBLE WITH THE HEAVY RAIN...ESPECIALLY NEAR AREAS BURNED IN RECENT WILDFIRES. IN THE MOUNTAINS...FLOODING OF RIVERS AND CREEKS WILL BECOME INCREASINGLY LIKELY THROUGH THE WEEKEND. THE AREA MOST LIKELY TO SEE SIGNIFICANT RIVER FLOODING AT THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS WILL BE OVER SHASTA COUNTY ALONG WITH EASTERN BUTTE AND WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTIES...THOUGH OTHER AREAS WILL ALSO BE VULNERABLE. CAZ015-016-301215- /O.CON.KSTO.FA.A.0001.000000T0000Z-121204T0200Z/ /00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/ NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY-CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY- 412 PM PST THU NOV 29 2012 ...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON... THE FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR * A PORTION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY AND NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY. * THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON * FLOODING IS EXPECTED AROUND LOW LYING AREAS NEAR THE UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER...ESPECIALLY AROUND RED BLUFF BEGINNING SUNDAY. SOME CREEKS THAT ARE LIKELY TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT FLOODING INCLUDE COW CREEK...COTTONWOOD CREEK...BATTLE CREEK...CLEAR CREEK...DRY CREEK...BUTTE CREEK. * DEBRIS FLOWS ARE LIKELY...ESPECIALLY NEAR RECENT BURN SCARS IN SHASTA AND TEHAMA COUNTIES. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP. && $$ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wind Advisory URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SACRAMENTO CA 336 PM PST THU NOV 29 2012 CAZ013>016-063-064-066-068-301200- /O.CON.KSTO.WI.Y.0019.000000T0000Z-121202T1800Z/ SHASTA LAKE AREA / NORTHERN SHASTA COUNTY- BURNEY BASIN / EASTERN SHASTA COUNTY-NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY- CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY- MOUNTAINS SOUTHWESTERN SHASTA COUNTY TO NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY- CLEAR LAKE/SOUTHERN LAKE COUNTY- NORTHEAST FOOTHILLS/SACRAMENTO VALLEY- WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTY/LASSEN PARK- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...BURNEY...REDDING...CHICO... ALDER SPRINGS...LAKEPORT...PARADISE...CHESTER...QUINCY 336 PM PST THU NOV 29 2012 ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST SUNDAY... * WINDS: SOUTH 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 55 MPH. * TIMING: STRONG WINDS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: CHESTER...QUINCY...CHICO...REDDING... BURNEY...LAKEPORT...ALDER SPRINGS...PARADISE. * IMPACTS: BROKEN TREE BRANCHES AND LIMBS ARE LIKELY. LOCAL POWER OUTAGES POSSIBLE. DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WIND GUSTS OF 40 MPH OR HIGHER ARE EXPECTED. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT... ESPECIALLY FOR SMALL CARS AND HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION.

prolonged wind event

From the National Weather Service office in Sacramento: WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST SUNDAY... * WINDS: SOUTH 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 55 MPH OR HIGHER. * TIMING: WINDS WILL INCREASE ACROSS THE REGION TODAY AND CONTINUE INTO SUNDAY AS A SERIES OF STORMS AFFECT THE REGION. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: CHICO...REDDING...BURNEY...LAKEPORT...ALDER SPRINGS...PARADISE. * IMPACTS: BROKEN TREE BRANCHES AND LIMBS ARE LIKELY. LOCAL POWER OUTAGES POSSIBLE. DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WIND GUSTS OF 40 MPH OR HIGHER ARE EXPECTED. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT... ESPECIALLY FOR SMALL CARS AND HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. Wow! For the next THREE DAYS we will experience sustained winds of over 20 mph and gusts up to 55 mph. It looks like many areas may see lengthy power outages. This is reminiscent of the big windstorm of January, 2008. I remember being without power for six days during that storm. The 2008 storm lasted just over 24 hours, with peak winds of up to 60 mph, just for a comparison. Oy vey!

more storminess on the way

This last storm that moved through the Chico area today was not that impressive. It rained moderately hard for about two hours late this morning into early afternoon. However, there was no widespread flooding (though some ponding on Chico streets was observed by moi). Chico received .73 of an inch of rain today, while the highest wind gust was around 30 mph at the airport. This storm was fairly typical of what we see during the late fall and winter. However, a much bigger, more powerful storm is headed straight for Northern California. Another Wind Advisory will go into effect beginning at 10 am tomorrow and lasting until 10 am Friday. Wind gusts to 50 mph, sustained 20-30 mph, will affect the Sacramento Valley and surrounding foothills (Paradise and Magalia). The Flood Watch has now been extended through next Monday afternoon, as yet another storm will invade late Saturday and linger into late Sunday. These storms are tapping into some abundant subtropical moisture from the South Pacific, and the jet stream is steering this moisture and these storms right at us. It's often termed the "Pineapple Express," and it's like a fire hose over 300 miles wide has been aimed right at the West Coast. In other words, we're going to get blasted. To further exacerbate the flood potential, the snow level will be above 7000 feet in the Sierra Nevada, which means most of the precipitation in the mountains will fall as heavy rain. This will cause creeks and streams to flood; these floodwaters will then stream down into the valley, raising mainstem river levels. Not a pretty picture; in fact, a potentially dangerous situation. If you live near a creek, keep an eye out for rising waters this weekend and prepare to move to higher ground. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Showers likely, mainly after 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 47. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Thursday Rain. High near 59. South southeast wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Thursday Night Rain. Low around 48. Breezy, with a southeast wind 24 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. Friday Showers. High near 56. Breezy, with a southeast wind 20 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible. Friday Night Rain. Low around 48. Southeast wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Saturday Rain. High near 55. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Saturday Night Rain. Low around 52. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Sunday Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Sunday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Monday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Tuesday A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Tuesday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Wednesday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.

major storms coming

Where to begin? I guess the precipitation. Up to 8 inches of rain are possible in the Sacramento Valley (including Chico) from tomorrow morning through Sunday. During that same time period, some Sierra Nevada mountain and foothill locations could receive up to 20 inches of rain! Incredible! A Flood Watch is still in effect beginning tomorrow morning and lasting through Sunday for the Sacramento Valley and adjacent foothill and mountain locations. Urban and small stream flooding is likely, though mainstem river flooding is less likely due to low reservoir levels. Next, the winds: winds could gust over 40 mph late tomorrow morning with this first storm, mainly from the central Sacramento Valley southward. However, winds will increase again Thursday afternoon into Friday as a second, more powerful storm moves in. Power outages are likely, but will probably be localized and not widespread. So, we have to be concerned with both heavy rainfall and winds over the next several days. Be careful out there, and stay safe! Here's Chico's latest forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Rain after 4am. Steady temperature around 48. East wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Wednesday Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 54. Southeast wind 18 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Wednesday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 49. Southeast wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Thursday Rain, mainly after 10am. High near 59. Southeast wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Thursday Night Rain. Low around 51. Breezy, with a south southeast wind around 26 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Friday Showers. High near 56. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Friday Night Rain. Low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Saturday Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Saturday Night Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 49. Sunday Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Sunday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Monday A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Monday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Tuesday A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.

Update on Flood Watch

From the National Weather Service in Sacramento: FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON... THE FLOOD WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR * A PORTION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...BURNEY BASIN/EASTERN SHASTA COUNTY...CARQUINEZ STRAIT AND DELTA...CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY...CLEAR LAKE/SOUTHERN LAKE COUNTY...MOTHERLODE...MOUNTAINS SOUTHWESTERN SHASTA COUNTY TO NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY...NORTHEAST FOOTHILLS/SACRAMENTO VALLEY...NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY... NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY...SHASTA LAKE AREA/NORTHERN SHASTA COUNTY...SOUTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY...WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA AND WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTY/LASSEN PARK. * FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON * CONFIDENCE IS HIGH IN A PROLONGED PERIOD OF MODERATE TO HEAVY PRECIPITATION. THE HEAVIEST PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED OVER EASTERN BUTTE AND WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTIES WHERE A LARGE AREA OF RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 15 TO 20 INCHES OR MORE WILL BE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE WEEKEND...AND IN THE MOUNTAINS NORTH OF REDDING WHERE 10 TO 15 INCHES OR MORE OF RAIN WILL BE POSSIBLE. IN THE VALLEY...RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 3 TO 6 INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE WEEKEND. * IMPACTS: DEBRIS FLOWS POSSIBLE...ESPECIALLY NEAR RECENT BURN SCARS IN SHASTA...BUTTE...AND PLUMAS COUNTIES. URBAN AND SMALL STREAM FLOODING WILL BECOME LIKELY AT THE LOWER ELEVATIONS WITH RIVER FLOODING POSSIBLE IN THE FOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAINS ABOVE THE FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER STORAGE RESERVOIRS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP.

Wind Advisory for tomorrow

Not only do we have to be concerned with the flooding potential, but also wind. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY FOR THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY...CARQUINEZ STRAIT AND DELTA... NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AND SURROUNDING FOOTHILLS INCLUDING SOUTHERN LAKE COUNTY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 4 PM PST WEDNESDAY. * WINDS: SOUTHEAST 15 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH. * TIMING: WINDS WILL INCREASE ACROSS THE REGION WEDNESDAY MORNING AND ARE EXPECTED TO PEAK IN THE AFTERNOON AS A COLD FRONT MOVES THROUGH THE REGION. WINDS WILL DECREASE BEHIND THE FRONTAL PASSAGE LATE IN THE DAY. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: REDDING...CHICO...PARADISE...YUBA CITY... GRASS VALLEY...SACRAMENTO...LAKEPORT...STOCKTON...AND MODESTO. * IMPACTS: DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS. BROKEN TREE LIMBS AND BRANCHES. LOCAL POWER OUTAGES POSSIBLE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WIND GUSTS OF 40 MPH OR HIGHER ARE EXPECTED. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT... ESPECIALLY FOR SMALL CARS AND HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION.

Flood Watch in effect

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A * FLOOD WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...SACRAMENTO VALLEY...WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA...NORTHERN SIERRA FOOTHILLS...CARQUINEZ STRAIT AND DELTA...CLEAR LAKE AREA...SHASTA LAKE AREA...LASSEN PARK. * FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT * CONFIDENCE IS HIGH IN A PROLONGED PERIOD OF PRECIPITATION...WITH THE MOST CERTAINTY OF HEAVY PRECIPITATION OVER THE SHASTA AND FEATHER RIVER DRAINAGES. * DEBRIS FLOWS POSSIBLE...ESPECIALLY NEAR RECENT BURN SCARS IN SHASTA...BUTTE...AND PLUMAS COUNTIES. * FLOODING EXPECTED ON SMALLER TRIBUTARY CREEKS AND STREAMS. * WEIR OVERFLOW AND RUNOFF IN BYPASSES POSSIBLE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP.

"Impressive rainfall totals are likely"

The title of this blog entry is a direct quote from the National Weather Service. Here's a synopsis of the impending stormy weather: MAJOR WEATHER CHANGES ARE EXPECTED ACROSS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BEGINNING MID-WEEK AND CONTINUING THROUGH NEXT WEEKEND AS A LARGE AREA OF LOW PRESSURE MOVES TOWARD THE EASTERN PACIFIC. RAINFALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN WEDNESDAY ACROSS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. THIS INITIAL SYSTEM WILL BE FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY SEVERAL MORE STORM SYSTEMS THROUGH THE WEEKEND. THESE STORMS WILL HAVE ACCESS TO DEEP MOISTURE FROM THE TROPICAL PACIFIC MEANING CONSIDERABLE AMOUNTS OF PRECIPITATION WILL BE LIKELY WITH EACH SYSTEM ALONG WITH STRONG GUSTY SOUTHERLY WINDS. OVERALL PRECIPITATION TOTALS FOR ANY ONE AREA COULD SIGNIFICANTLY VARY AND WILL DEPEND ON WHERE THE FOCUS OF THE HEAVIEST RAIN FROM EACH SYSTEM SETS UP. CURRENTLY...IT APPEARS THE FOCUS OF HEAVIEST PRECIPITATION THROUGH THE WEEKEND WILL BE MAINLY TO THE NORTH OF INTERSTATE 80. THE MILD SOUTHWESTERLY FLOW WILL RESULT IN RELATIVELY HIGH SNOW LEVELS THROUGH THE WEEK...MAINLY ABOVE 6000 FEET IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS AND ABOVE 7000 FEET IN THE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA. FORECAST CONFIDENCE IS HIGH THAT THIS SERIES OF STORM SYSTEMS WILL IMPACT THE REGION. HOWEVER WITH SEVERAL DAYS UNTIL THESE LOW PRESSURE SYSTEMS AFFECT THE REGION...DETAILS ON TIMING AND INTENSITY OF EACH STORM THAT PASSES THROUGH THE REGION WILL BECOME CLEARER. IMPRESSIVE RAINFALL TOTALS ARE LIKELY ACROSS MUCH OF THE REGION WHICH COULD INCREASE THE FLOOD POTENTIAL BY NEXT WEEKEND AS THE GROUND BECOMES SATURATED AND WATER GOES DIRECTLY INTO RUNOFF RATHER THAN SEEPING INTO SOILS RESULTING IN RISING WATER LEVELS ON THE SMALL RIVERS AND STREAMS. POTENTIAL IMPACTS INCLUDE: *URBAN AND RURAL FLOODING ESPECIALLY FOR FLOOD PRONE AREAS. *MAJOR RISES IN WATER LEVELS FOR RIVERS AND STREAMS WITH POSSIBLE SMALL STEAM FLOODING. *MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN AND GUSTY WINDS MAY BRING DOWN TREE BRANCHES AND TREES. LOCAL POWER OUTAGES WILL BE POSSIBLE. *MUD AND ROCK SLIDES LIKELY AND POSSIBLE DEBRIS FLOWS FOR RECENT BURN SCARS. STAY TUNED TO THE LATEST NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATEMENTS OR YOUR LOCAL MEDIA OUTLET FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS POTENTIALLY HIGH IMPACT SERIES OF STORMS.

"Big weather changes are expected" this week

Quoting from the National Weather Service office in Sacramento: PERIODS OF WET AND WINDY WEATHER WEDNESDAY THROUGH NEXT WEEKEND... BIG WEATHER CHANGES ARE EXPECTED BEGINNING MIDWEEK AND CONTINUING THROUGH NEXT WEEKEND AS A LARGE AREA OF LOW PRESSURE MOVES TOWARD THE EASTERN PACIFIC. RAINFALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN WEDNESDAY ACROSS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. THIS INITIAL SYSTEM WILL MOVE THROUGH THE REGION RELATIVELY QUICKLY...BUT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY SEVERAL MORE STORM SYSTEMS LATER IN THE WEEK. THESE STORMS WILL HAVE ACCESS TO MOISTURE FROM THE TROPICAL PACIFIC...MEANING CONSIDERABLE PRECIPITATION TOTALS WILL BE LIKELY. EACH OF THESE STORM SYSTEMS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY GUSTY SOUTHERLY WINDS. SNOW LEVELS WILL START AROUND 6000 FEET WITH THE WEDNESDAY SYSTEM...AND WILL RISE TO 7000 FEET OR HIGHER WITH THE SUBSEQUENT STORMS. FORECAST CONFIDENCE IS HIGH THAT THIS SERIES OF STORM SYSTEMS WILL IMPACT THE REGION. HOWEVER WITH SEVERAL DAYS UNTIL THESE LOW PRESSURE SYSTEMS AFFECT THE REGION...DETAILS ON TIMING AND INTENSITY WILL BECOME CLEARER OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. POTENTIAL IMPACTS INCLUDE: *URBAN AND SMALL STREAM FLOODING. *MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN AND GUSTY WINDS MAY BRING DOWN SMALL TREE BRANCHES AND TREES. LOCAL POWER OUTAGES WILL BE POSSIBLE. *ROCK SLIDES OR DEBRIS FLOWS NEAR RECENT BURN SCARS. STAY TUNED TO THE LATEST NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATEMENTS FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS POTENTIALLY HIGH IMPACT SERIES OF STORMS. Get ready now for these potential storms. I don't want to be dramatic, but it's always best to be prepared. Make sure you have batteries for flashlights, all loose objects in the backyard are either brought inside or tied down, clean out fallen leaves from around storm drains, and stock up on some non-perishable foods just in case the power goes out. Me, I love this stormy weather- as long as people don't get hurt and the power isn't out for more than one day! The good news is we are going to get some beneficial moisture to build up our water supply and provide excellent powder for the area ski resorts. The weather for the next three days should be sunny and mild, with high temperatures in the 60s today through Tuesday. Enjoy it while it lasts; it seems we won't see the sun for awhile!

foggy morning

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A DENSE FOG ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING. * VISIBILITY: ONE-QUARTER MILE OR LESS. * TIMING: FOG WILL PERSIST UNTIL MID TO LATE MORNING. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: MARYSVILLE...SACRAMENTO...STOCKTON...MODESTO. * IMPACTS: HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS ALONG AREA ROADWAYS. HIGHWAYS IMPACTED INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO) INTERSTATES 80 AND 5...AND HIGHWAYS 99 AND 4. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A DENSE FOG ADVISORY MEANS VISIBILITIES WILL FREQUENTLY BE REDUCED TO LESS THAN ONE QUARTER MILE. IF DRIVING...SLOW DOWN... USE YOUR HEADLIGHTS ON LOW BEAM...AND LEAVE PLENTY OF DISTANCE AHEAD OF YOU.

last of the fall color

Thought I'd post some pictures of the beautiful fall color on the Chico State campus before it all fades away. These pics were taken earlier today during the noon hour under brilliant sunshine and temperatures in the low 60s. The high today in Chico ended up at 67 degrees, five degrees above the average for the date. Again, the fine weather will continue into the middle of next week, but changes are in store for the end of next week. A decent storm system will move in by next Thursday/ Friday time period and hopefully give us some beneficial precipitation. The weather picture will become clearer as we get closer to the end of next week. For now, enjoy this spectacular weather! Have a great weekend!

nice fall weather

Yesterday was beautiful in Chico for Thanksgiving, with sunny skies and a high temperature of 64 degrees. That's just two degrees warmer than the average, so it was nearly perfect. This morning is a bit on the chilly side, with a current temperature of 41 degrees. That's also just two degrees warmer than the average low for this date. The weather will continue to be amazing for your holiday shopping, but it may be difficult to get into the holiday spirit with all of this mild, sunny weather. However, if you still want to hold onto fall, this weather is perfect for you. There is still some nice fall color to see and appreciate around Chico, so you can get out for a walk or hike to work off those extra pounds you may have put on yesterday and enjoy the scenery at the same time. The sun will shine today through the middle of next week, with highs in the low to mid 60s and lows in the 40s. By next Thursday we may see our next chance for rain, with highs dropping back into the 50s. Again, this may change, so check back for updates. For now, here is what the National Weather Service is saying for Chico's seven day forecast: Today Sunny, with a high near 66. North northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the morning. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Light northeast wind. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 68. Light and variable wind. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Light north northeast wind. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 66. Northwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Monday Sunny, with a high near 63. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Wednesday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Thursday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55.

sunshine in store

This last storm was pretty powerful. Chico saw winds gusting to 35 mph yesterday, and received .51" of rain. I was a little off on my precipitation amount forecast for Chico, as I stated in my earlier post that Chico could receive one inch from this storm. Oh, well. I am not a professional meteorologist, and they almost ALWAYS get it wrong! Anyway, hopefully they're not wrong on this forecast, because, with the exception of today, the next several days look fabulous. Today will be showery, as this low pressure system that was responsible for the wind and rain yesterday lingers over our area. It shouldn't rain ALL day, and I predict the sun may shine a bit later today. The winds will continue to ease throughout today, as well. It will be dry and sunny for Thanksgiving, with highs in the mid 60s. That's just a tad warmer than where we should be this time of year, but I won't complain. In fact, it will remain sunny and mild through the middle of next week, with a slight cooling trend Sunday through Tuesday. Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. High near 60. Southeast wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. North northwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Thanksgiving Day Sunny, with a high near 64. Northwest wind around 6 mph. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Light north wind. Friday Sunny, with a high near 65. Light and variable wind. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Monday Sunny, with a high near 60. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.

Wind Advisory in effect

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY FOR THE NORTHERN HALF OF THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY AND SURROUNDING FOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAINS INCLUDING LAKE COUNTY... WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PST TONIGHT. * WINDS: SOUTH 15 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS 40 TO 50 MPH. * TIMING: THROUGH LATE THIS EVENING. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: REDDING...CHICO...LAKEPORT...PARADISE AND PORTIONS OF INTERSTATE 5 AND HIGHWAY 99. * IMPACTS: DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS. LOCAL POWER OUTAGES POSSIBLE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WINDS OF 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. The cold front should move through later today, bringing with it gusty winds and moderate to heavy rain. Chico could see about an inch of rain today. By tomorrow things settle down and Thanksgiving still looks sunny and nice.

pics from last night's Christmas Preview

As promised, here are some pics of the Christmas Preview in downtown Chico yesterday evening. I think it definitely put people into the Christmas spirit, along with the chilly, grey weather. It will continue to be grey and increasingly wet over the next 36 hours. A strong storm system that has been inundating parts of the Pacific Northwest with heavy rain, high winds, and major flooding will slowly sag southward into our area by tomorrow. I don't think we'll see the level of flooding Seattle has seen today, but expect perhaps over an inch of rain in Chico between tomorrow and Wednesday morning. Gusty winds to 25 mph from the south are to be expected, while snow will fall mainly above 7000 feet in the Sierra. By late Wednesday the wet weather should move off to the east of us, and Thanksgiving looks delightful. Highs tomorrow with the rain in Chico will hover around 60 degrees. Same for Wednesday, but warming into the mid 60s for Turkey Day. It should remain dry and seasonal through early next week.

more wet weather coming

Today was a lull in the rain, as skies were mostly cloudy. It was dry but breezy in Chico today, with a high temperature of 57 degrees. It was decent weather for the Christmas Preview in downtown Chico this afternoon and evening, albeit a tad bit chilly. I took some pics of the event; I'll post them tomorrow. The fall colors are absolutely gorgeous right now in Chico. It was an interesting juxtaposition of the Christmas lights downtown amidst the maples and sycamores in their fall finery. Anyway, the next storm should arrive Tuesday and linger into Wednesday. I don't know how strong this storm will be, but I believe most of the energy will go to our north, into Oregon and Washington. Right now Turkey Day looks dry and mild, with highs into the mid 60s. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. East southeast wind around 7 mph. Monday A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Southeast wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Monday Night A 40 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Southeast wind around 11 mph. Tuesday Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 61. South southeast wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tuesday Night Rain. Low around 48. Southeast wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Wednesday Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Thanksgiving Day Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Saturday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Sunday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 63.

Rain chances lessen over the next several days

We are in the midst of some moderate to heavy rain as I type this. Chico has received nearly nine-tenths of an inch (.90") since last evening, with winds gusting to 25 mph overnight last night. Once this heavy rain moves through later this morning, lighter showers will linger the rest of the day. Expect breezy conditions today and tonight, generally 20-25 mph winds from the southeast. In the mountains the next 24 hours, expect snowfall to accumulate to 2-3 feet above 6000 feet in the Sierra. It will be mainly rain up to 5000 feet, as this storm is warmer than previous storms. Showers will taper off tomorrow, as rain chances are reduced to 50% chance. Good news for Thanksgiving: Just a slight chance of rain, with highs around 60 degrees. The weather should not affect holiday travel too much. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Showers. High near 58. Southeast wind 11 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Tonight Showers. Low around 47. Southeast wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Sunday A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. Southeast wind 8 to 13 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Sunday Night A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 46. Southeast wind around 11 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Monday A 30 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 60. Southeast wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Monday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Tuesday A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 61. Tuesday Night A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Wednesday A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 61. Wednesday Night A slight chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 44. Thanksgiving Day A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Thursday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Friday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

latest on stormy weather

From the National Weather Service office in Sacramento: A SERIES OF STORM SYSTEMS IS EXPECTED TO MOVE THROUGH INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA TODAY THROUGH SUNDAY. SCATTERED LIGHT SHOWERS BEGAN SPREADING OVER NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EARLY THIS MORNING WITH THE FIRST COLD FRONT EXPECTED TO MOVE ONTO THE COAST THIS EVENING. SNOW LEVELS TODAY THROUGH SATURDAY WILL BE HIGHER THAN RECENT STORMS...RANGING BETWEEN 6000 AND 7500 FEET. A MUCH MORE PROMINENT STORM SYSTEM IS FORECAST TO MOVE INTO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SATURDAY NIGHT AND EARLY SUNDAY. SNOW LEVELS WITH THIS SYSTEM ARE FORECAST TO DROP TO BETWEEN 4000 FEET OVER SHASTA COUNTY AND AROUND 6000 TO 6500 FEET OVER THE NORTHERN SIERRA. BETWEEN TODAY AND SUNDAY...1 TO 1.5 INCHES OF RAINFALL ARE POSSIBLE IN THE SACRAMENTO AND NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEYS. AT THE HIGHEST ELEVATIONS OF THE SIERRA...AS MUCH AS 2 TO 3 FEET OF NEW SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH A FOOT OR MORE OF SNOW POSSIBLE AT PASS LEVELS. GUSTY WINDS ARE LIKELY AT TIMES THIS WEEKEND ESPECIALLY SATURDAY WHEN THE SECOND FRONTAL SYSTEM MOVES INLAND. IN THE MOUNTAINS...THE COMBINATION OF WIND AND SNOW COULD CAUSE WHITE OUT CONDITIONS AT TIMES. OUTDOOR RECREATIONALISTS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR THE CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS. MOTORISTS SHOULD ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR TRAVEL DUE TO SLICK ROADS AND WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS TODAY THROUGH LATE SUNDAY. FALLEN LEAVES MAY CLOG DRAINS WHICH COULD LEAD TO LOCALIZED STREET FLOODING. PERIODS OF MODERATE PRECIPITATION ALONG WITH BREEZY WINDS MAY BRING DOWN SMALL TREE BRANCHES AND WEAKENED TREES LEADING TO LOCAL POWER OUTAGES. PERIODS OF UNSETTLED WEATHER WILL CONTINUE NEXT WEEK WITH ADDITIONAL STORMS POSSIBLE. STAY TUNED FOR UPDATED FORECASTS.

rain starting overnight tonight

There's a change in the timing of the rain in the forecast. Now the rain is expected to begin overnight tonight, mainly after 4am tomorrow. The second, more powerful storm is now expected to arrive late Saturday and last into Sunday, rather than Sunday/ Monday time period. Rainfall amounts have been pared back a bit for the valley- 1 to 1.5 inches are now expected between Saturday and Sunday. One to two feet of snow may fall above 6000 feet in the Sierra Nevada. Also, breezy to gusty winds up to 30 mph in the valley, and 50 mph in the mountains, may bring down small branches and lead to power outages. These two storms have warmer air associated with them, originating from the Pacific, rather than the Gulf of Alaska. Hence the higher snow levels and abundant moisture. This should be great news for the skiers! Unfortunately, the stormy weather may last into next week, affecting holiday travel. Stay tuned for updated weather forecasts. I will update my weather blog regularly. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Partly sunny, with a high near 69. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Tonight Rain likely, mainly after 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 48. East southeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday Rain. High near 58. Southeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Friday Night Rain. Low around 48. Southeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Saturday Rain. High near 60. South southeast wind 6 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Saturday Night Rain. Low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Sunday A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Sunday Night A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Monday A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 58. Monday Night A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Tuesday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Tuesday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Wednesday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.

nice weather for now... but storminess on the way

If you like sunny, warm weather, well, today is your day. Chico's forecast high today under mainly sunny skies will be 70 degrees. Tomorrow doesn't look bad, either, with partly sunny conditions and temps in the mid 60s. However, Friday through Monday look pretty wet and unsettled. Two storms are expected to affect our area: the first on Friday and lingering into Saturday, and the second, more powerful storm arriving on Sunday. With these two storms, Chico and other valley locations could see two inches (or more) of rain, while the Sierra Nevada above 5000 feet could see two to three feet of snow. Highs during this period will be in the 50s in Chico, and winds could exceed 30 mph, especially on Sunday. Not good timing, as Chico's annual Christmas Preview is this Sunday from 4-8 pm. It's a combined indoor/outdoor activity, so if you plan on going, dress warmly and hold on tightly to your umbrella. More details to follow as the National Weather Service updates the forecast. For now, here's what it looks like for Chico the next seven days: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. North wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable. Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. North northeast wind around 6 mph. Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 64. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of rain after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Southeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Friday Night Rain. Low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Saturday Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday Night Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 49. Sunday Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Sunday Night Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 45. Monday Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 56. Monday Night A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 47. Tuesday A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 60.

major weather changes ahead

From the National Weather Service: WET AND WINDY WEATHER POSSIBLE FRIDAY INTO MONDAY... A SERIES OF STORM SYSTEMS IS EXPECTED TO MOVE THROUGH INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FRIDAY INTO MONDAY. PRECIPITATION MAY BEGIN AS EARLY AS THURSDAY NIGHT INTO FRIDAY FROM THE FIRST STORM. A STRONGER STORM IS FORECAST SUNDAY INTO MONDAY. THESE STORMS ARE EXPECTED TO BE WARMER THAN THE LAST ONE WITH SNOW LEVELS AROUND 6000 TO 7000 FT TO START BUT MAY FLUCTUATE AT TIMES. SNOW LEVELS ARE THEN EXPECTED TO DROP TO AROUND 5000 FT SUNDAY AND MONDAY. BREEZY AND GUSTY SOUTHERLY WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE WITH THESE SYSTEMS. THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PRECIPITATION AND STRONGEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY. PRECIPITATION AMOUNTS AROUND 2 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE IN THE VALLEY AND SEVERAL FEET OF SNOW ARE POSSIBLE OVER THE HIGHEST ELEVATION THROUGH MONDAY. THE DETAILS WILL BECOME CLEARER AS THE STORMS APPROACH...STAY TUNED FOR UPDATED FORECASTS. OUTDOOR RECREATIONALISTS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR THE CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS AT THE END OF THE WEEK. MOTORISTS SHOULD ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR TRAVEL DUE TO WET AND SLICK ROADS AND WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS FRIDAY THROUGH MONDAY. FALLEN LEAVES MAY CLOG DRAINS WHICH COULD LEAD TO LOCALIZED FLOODING. PERIODS OF MODERATE PRECIPITATION ALONG WITH BREEZY WINDS MAY BRING DOWN SMALL TREE BRANCHES AND WEAKENED TREES POSSIBLY LEADING TO LOCAL POWER OUTAGES.

still chilly, with chance of rain later this week

The low temperature this morning in Chico dipped to 31 degrees, the coldest low temperature we've had so far this season. It will be cold again overnight tonight, with a low of 32 degrees. We will see a mix of sun and clouds this week, with chances of rain tomorrow night into Tuesday and again Thursday through next Sunday. Highs will be in the 50s and 60s, while lows after tomorrow morning will range from the upper 30s to mid 40s. Here are the specifics for Chico from the National Weather Service: Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Light east northeast wind. Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 60. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. Monday Night A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Light north northeast wind. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers before 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Light and variable wind. Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Light and variable wind. Wednesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Thursday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Thursday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Friday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Friday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Saturday A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Saturday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Sunday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.