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!