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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

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.

Freeze Warning for Chico

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A FREEZE WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 9 AM PST SUNDAY. THE FROST ADVISORY HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO A FREEZE WARNING. * TEMPERATURES: LOWS MAINLY FROM 28 TO 32. * TIMING: FREEZING TEMPERATURES EXPECTED FROM 2 AM TO 9 AM PST. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: MUCH OF THE NORTHERN AND CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY INCLUDING REDDING...RED BLUFF...CHICO...MARYSVILLE... WILLOWS AND WILLIAMS. * IMPACTS: SENSITIVE VEGETATION AND OUTDOOR PLANTS MAY BE KILLED IF LEFT UNCOVERED. THESE TEMPERATURES CAN BE HARMFUL TO LIVESTOCK AND PETS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL KILL CROPS AND OTHER SENSITIVE VEGETATION.

chilly temps

Happy weekend! The jet stream is dipping south this weekend, allowing colder air from the Gulf of Alaska to pour southward into our area. Current temps this morning are in the mid 30s, and it may get colder tonight. A Frost Advisory is in effect starting at midnight tonight and lasting until 8 am tomorrow morning. Overnight lows tonight may get down to around 33-34 degrees. Cover up the tender vegetation, and bring potted plants indoors. The normal first frost for Chico is November 11th, so we're right on time for this one. High temperatures will remain below average for the next seven days, and there are chances of rain Tuesday through next Friday. Highs will mainly be in the upper 50s to low 60s (average high for mid-November is 66-67 degrees), while overnight lows will range from the mid 30s tonight to the mid 40s by the middle of next week (average low is 40-41 degrees). Fall is definitely here! Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today A 20 percent chance of showers before 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Tonight Patchy frost after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 29. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Veterans Day Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 57. North northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. North wind 3 to 5 mph. Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming west northwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Monday Night A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Tuesday A 30 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Tuesday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Wednesday A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Wednesday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Thursday 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 46. Friday A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 58.

Frost Advisory for late tomorrow night into Sunday morning

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A FROST ADVISORY BELOW 2000 FEET...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT SATURDAY NIGHT TO 8 AM PST SUNDAY. * TEMPERATURES: MID TO UPPER 20S. * TIMING: SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH EARLY SUNDAY MORNING. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: PARADISE...AUBURN. * IMPACTS: SENSITIVE VEGETATION AND OUTDOOR PLANTS MAY BE KILLED IF LEFT UNCOVERED. THESE TEMPERATURES CAN BE HARMFUL TO LIVESTOCK AND PETS...AND CAN CREATE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A FROST ADVISORY MEANS THAT FROST IS POSSIBLE. RESIDENTS SHOULD BRING PETS AND COLD SENSITIVE PLANTS INDOORS. TRAVELERS SHOULD TAKE EXTRA CAUTION ON ROADWAYS.

winter is here

Wow. We go from summer- like warmth on Tuesday (highs in the lower 80s) to winter today (highs in the valley in the mid 50s; 20s and 30s in the mountains). I call this whiplash weather. Or more accurately termed: roller coaster weather. Light rain and isolated thunderstorms are in store for the valley today and tomorrow, while snow will fall in the mountains and foothills of the Sierra Nevada during that same time period. Snow levels will initially start out between 3500 and 4500 feet, but will lower to the foothills above 2500 feet tonight and tomorrow. A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect for elevations above 2500 feet (that means you, Magalia) beginning at 4 pm today and lasting until 10 am tomorrow. Up to 3 inches of snow are possible above this elevation, while 6-12 inches may fall above 5000 feet by Friday afternoon. This will be the first snowfall of the season for many, so get prepared. In the valley, including Chico, expect only a tenth to a quarter of an inch to fall in showers; locally higher amounts may accumulate in thundershowers. I can't rule out some small hail that may fall in some of these thundershowers. Oh, in addition to all of this, locally breezy winds between 10-25 mph will blow in the valley, while wind gusts to 40 mph can be expected in the mountains. All of this weather is brought to us by a cold low pressure system diving south from the Gulf of Alaska. By Saturday, the sun returns, but not the warmth. High temps will remain stuck in the 50s both Saturday and Sunday for Chico. We may warm into the lower 60s by early next week, with a slight chance of showers possible Monday and Tuesday. Lows will also be cold- mid 30s for this weekend, warming into the lower 40s by early next week. Average temps for this time of year for Chico are 67 for the high and 41 for the low. Have a great day, everyone!

not much precip, but much cooler temps

Yesterday was perfect weather in Chico for Election Day- sunny skies, falling leaves, and warm temperatures in the low 80s. Chico's high of 81 yesterday was four degrees shy of the record for the date. Cooler air will begin to filter into the Northstate today, as highs are expected to be about 10 degrees cooler than yesterday. Temperatures will cool even more tomorrow and Friday, as a cold (but relatively moisture-starved) storm originating from the Gulf of Alaska dives southward. High temps Thursday and Friday will struggle to hit 60 degrees. Showers are likely tomorrow and Friday, but only about a tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain is likely in the valley. Snow levels will initially be high- above 5000 feet- but will lower to around 2500-3000 feet in the Sierra by Friday. However, since there is not much moisture with this system, expect only a dusting to an inch of snow down to that elevation. Skies will turn partly cloudy by Saturday, and sunshine will dominate for Sunday. The cooler temps will hang around through the weekend, remaining in the 50s for highs. Here is Chico's complete seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming south southeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Southeast wind 7 to 11 mph. Thursday Showers likely, mainly after 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 57. South southeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Thursday Night Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. West southwest wind around 6 mph becoming east in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Calm wind. Friday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Veterans Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Monday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Tuesday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

11/6/12 Special Weather Statement

From the National Weather Service office in Sacramento: A STRONG RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE OVER THE REGION WILL CONTINUE TO BRING WARM AND DRY WEATHER TODAY. MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES WILL BE 10 TO 15 DEGREES ABOVE NORMAL WITH READINGS IN THE UPPER 70S TO LOWER 80S IN THE VALLEY AND MID 60S TO MID 70S IN THE MOUNTAINS. RECORD TEMPERATURES ARE POSSIBLE ONCE AGAIN TODAY. TEMPERATURES WILL BEGIN TO COOL SOMEWHAT ON WEDNESDAY...THEN MORE DRAMATIC COOLING RETURNS IN EARNEST FOR THE END OF THE WEEK AS A COLD LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM FROM THE GULF OF ALASKA SETTLES OVER THE REGION. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ACROSS FAR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA LATER WEDNESDAY THEN SPREAD SOUTH AND EASTWARD ACROSS THE REGION THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY BEFORE TAPERING OFF SATURDAY. THIS WILL BE A COLDER SYSTEM AND SNOW LEVELS ARE EXPECTED TO LOWER TO AROUND 3000 FT IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS AND TO AROUND 4500 FT OVER THE NORTHERN SIERRA ON THURSDAY...AND POSSIBLY DROP DOWN TO AROUND 2000 TO 3000 FT EARLY FRIDAY. OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR THE CHANGING WEATHER THIS WEEK. MOTORISTS SHOULD ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR TRAVEL THURSDAY AND FRIDAY DUE TO WET AND SLICK ROADS AND BE PREPARED FOR WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS IN THE MOUNTAINS. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF UP TO A FOOT WILL BE POSSIBLE OVER THE HIGHER MOUNTAIN PASSES.

warm and dry will give way to cool and wet

It was another beautiful fall day in Chico today, with sunny skies and high temperatures in the mid 70s. It'll be even warmer tomorrow, with highs creeping into the mid 80s under strong high pressure. Highs tomorrow could be near record territory. The warmth will continue Tuesday, though not as warm as tomorrow. Wednesday will be a transitional day, with highs cooling into the mid 70s (still above normal- we should be right around 68 degrees for the high this time of year). By Thursday, look for a chilly and wet Pacific storm to invade the Northstate. Showers will linger into Friday, with most of the damp weather gone by Saturday afternoon. In the mountains, look for highs to go from the 60s and 70s early this week to the 20s and 30s by Friday. Snow levels with this storm will initially be high- up to 5000 feet in the Sierra. However, by Friday, snow levels will drop to around 2500 feet! Magalia and upper Paradise may see some snow flakes by late Friday. As always, this forecast is not set in stone, and will likely change. Keep checking back for updates. For now, this is what the forecast looks like for Chico, courtesy of the National Weather Service: Tonight Clear, with a low around 52. North northeast wind 5 to 9 mph. Monday Sunny, with a high near 83. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming light and variable in the morning. Monday Night Clear, with a low around 50. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 78. Light and variable wind. Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 52. South southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 74. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Thursday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Thursday Night Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Friday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Friday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Saturday A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Saturday Night A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Veterans Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.

nice weather for now

Yesterday was not as warm as previously forecast, as clouds began to roll in from the west by the early afternoon. The temperature managed to reach 68 degrees in Chico, which is right at the average for the date. The clouds stuck around and acted like a blanket overnight; currently the temperature in Chico is 54 degrees- our low temperature should be about 12 degrees cooler than that. The clouds should part later this morning and it is expected to be mostly sunny today, with the high in the low 70s. The brief warmup begins tomorrow, with highs near 80. Monday will be the warmest day of the next seven, with highs topping out in the low 80s. Tuesday and Wednesday will remain dry and sunny, but with cooling temperatures. By Thursday and Friday, the next storm will begin to affect our area, bringing a chance of showers and highs only in the upper 50s by next Friday. You know what that means- fairly low snow levels. If it's chilly down here in the valley, it's pretty fair to assume it's going to be cold in the mountains. Stay tuned for updates on the next storm. For now, get out and enjoy the weekend! Harvest Festival happens at the Bidwell Mansion today. The Farm City website describes it this way: "A FREE family fun event featuring activities including: kids arts & crafts, interactive animal displays, bounce house, calf roping, antique and modern farm equipment, butter churning, food booths, nutrition education, bee demonstrations, Bidwell Mansion tours, food available from Madison Bear Garden, plant sale, horse-drawn carriage rides and much, much, more." Farm City is the organization responsible for organizing this and other farm-related events in and around Chico. Also, don't forget to change your clocks back one hour before bed tonight; we switch back to standard time officially at 2 am Sunday. That means the sun rises one hour earlier, but also sets one hour earlier. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 5 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 78. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 52. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph becoming north northeast in the evening. Monday Sunny, with a high near 81. North wind 7 to 11 mph. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 52. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 78. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Thursday A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Thursday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Friday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 58.

warm and dry

Yesterday in Chico was cool and wet (high temperature of 63 degrees and .47" of rain), while the next several days will be warm and dry. Today's high under partly sunny skies was 68 degrees (perfect fall weather), and it'll just get warmer from here. By Monday the high may climb into the lower 80s! The next chance of rain may arrive by the end of next week, with highs ratcheting down to the mid 60s, which is right about where we should be for the first week of November. By the way, the fall colors are absolutely gorgeous right now in Chico. The elms, ashes, sweetgums, pistaches, walnuts, maples, tulip trees and locusts are all showing off their brilliant shades of red, orange and gold along Chico's streets and neighborhoods. I just love this time of year! This weekend is going to be beautiful; take a walk around Chico and admire nature's beauty! Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Light north wind. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. North wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable. Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Light and variable wind. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Light and variable wind. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 6 mph after midnight. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 79. Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 51. Monday Sunny, with a high near 80. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 52. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 79. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Thursday A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.