dry streak goes on and on

The high today in Chico was 61 degrees, a full ten degrees cooler than yesterday. There was more haze today than yesterday, as well as an absence of the downsloping north wind that was prevalent yesterday. Hazy skies will continue off and on throughout this upcoming week as a lack of rain and stagnant air affect the air quality in the Sacramento Valley. High temps will remain 8 to 13 degrees above normal, while overnight lows will be at or slightly below normal. Again, there is no rain in the forecast. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Widespread haze. Patchy fog after 4am. Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 31. Calm wind. Monday Patchy fog before 10am. Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Calm wind. Monday Night Patchy fog after 4am. Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Calm wind. Tuesday Patchy fog before 10am. Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 63. Calm wind. Tuesday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Light and variable wind. New Year's Day Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.

when will it rain?

That's a good question. It has been dry and warm for days now, with yesterday reaching 69 degrees in Chico. Amazingly, that temperature was not a record high for Chico, but Sacramento and Stockton both broke their record highs for December 26th when those cities reached the mid 60s. Today will be somewhat cooler than it has been, with highs only making it to around 60 degrees. The warmth returns for the weekend, with highs back into the mid and upper 60s. Unfortunately, no rain is in the forecast, and there is no idea of when it will rain again. It is very concerning as December turns into January, normally the wettest time of the year for Chico. I'm still hoping the weather pattern will change, but it's not going to happen for awhile. High pressure is anchored over the West Coast with no signs of budging. With high pressure, air sinks, preventing clouds from forming. Clouds need low pressure to form and produce precipitation. So, look for sunny days, clear nights, mild afternoons and chilly mornings for the foreseeable future. Here's Chico's seven day forecast, including New Year's Eve, from the National Weather Service: Today Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 61. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Light north northeast wind. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 66. North northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. North northeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 65. North wind 5 to 7 mph. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Monday Sunny, with a high near 63. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. New Year's Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.

continued dry and mild

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! The high temperature on Christmas Eve in Chico was a very warm 72 degrees, which tied the record set back in 1967, while today (Christmas Day) it reached 67 degrees. Yesterday's high temperature did not set a record, but these temps are way above average, which is 54 degrees for this time of year. The overnight lows are near normal, with last night's low temp a chilly 35 degrees (normal low is 34 degrees). We haven't seen a drop of precipitation since December 7th, and it looks like we won't see any precip until next year sometime. 2013 will go down as the driest year ever recorded in California. We really need a succession of storms over the next month, but we're just not going to see it. I keep hoping the weather pattern will change, but we'll have to wait and see. For now, expect warm and dry weather. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Patchy frost after 5am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 33. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 6 mph in the evening. Thursday Patchy frost before 11am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 63. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. Thursday Night Patchy frost after 5am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 33. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Friday Patchy frost before 11am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 61. North northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the morning. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Light and variable wind. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 66. Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 34. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 63. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Monday Sunny, with a high near 62. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 61. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. New Year's Day Sunny, with a high near 62.

chilly nights, mild days

The high temperature at the Chico State University Farm today was 71 degrees- 2 degrees shy of the record high of 73 degrees for this date. It has been a very warm week, with today being the warmest of the past seven days. This trend will continue, as high pressure is large and in charge over California. Look for clear, sunny skies and chilly, starry nights through next weekend. High temps will generally be in the 60s, while overnight lows will be in the mid 30s. When will we see rain again? Who knows. Here is the seven day weather forecast for Chico (including a very mild Christmas Day) from the National Weather Service: Tonight Patchy frost after 5am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Monday Patchy frost before 11am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Light and variable wind. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Light north wind. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming northeast in the evening. Christmas Day Sunny, with a high near 62. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 63. Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 34. Friday Sunny, with a high near 62. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 60.

calm, dry weather

After a blustery, chilly Thursday, in which winds gusted to 30 mph, yesterday was much calmer. The high temperature yesterday reached a balmy 61 degrees in Chico, six degrees above the average. Sunshine, calm winds, and mild temperatures will rule the next seven days as persistent high pressure remains too stubborn to move. At least we're not experiencing the weather many parts of the Midwest, Southeast, and East are experiencing: Tornadoes, ice, snow, and flooding rains are all happening in those parts. I'll take calm and sunny, thanks. Well, maybe the rain, but not the flooding rain. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 61. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 35. North wind around 7 mph. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 63. North northwest wind around 7 mph. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Calm wind becoming northeast 5 to 7 mph in the evening. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Christmas Day Sunny, with a high near 61. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 63. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.

becoming windy

There is a Wind Advisory that has been issued for the Sacramento Valley in effect beginning at 4 am tomorrow morning and lasting until 10 pm tomorrow night. Northerly winds between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts to 50 mph, may occur. The strongest winds, as is usual during a northerly wind set-up, will take place on the west side of the Sacramento Valley. Chico itself may only see sustained winds between 15-20 mph. Regardless, expect breezy conditions throughout tomorrow. Also expect cooler temperatures, with highs today only around 60 degrees under mostly sunny skies, and mid 50s tomorrow. With the wind, it will feel downright nippy (well, for us Northern Californians, anyway). Temperatures will rebound back into the low to mid 60s Friday through next Tuesday under mainly sunny skies. We may not see any precipitation for the rest of the year. Not good. Fire danger is unusually high for this time of year. The Big Sur fire south of San Francisco is still burning nearly out of control. It's very unusual to see big fires spark in December, but that is just indicative of how dry we are right now. We still have time in the rainy season to catch up, however, so I remain somewhat positive. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Light and variable wind. Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Light north wind becoming north northwest 8 to 13 mph after midnight. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. North wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. North wind 7 to 9 mph. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 63. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 61. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.

It's beginning to look alot like... not Christmas

Highs in the 60s and plenty of sunshine both yesterday and today does not feel or look like Christmas. However, when the sun sets and temperatures drop from the 60s to the 40s, and all of the holiday lights are sparkling, well, that's a different story. However, the not-so-Christmasy weather will continue for the foreseeable future, as high pressure will not relent. A quick-moving and weak cold front will pivot through our area Wednesday night, cooling temps off slightly into the upper 50s on Thursday. Otherwise, expect sunshine and highs in the 60s the next several days. Overnight lows will generally be in the 30s. We need rain! Here is the dry and mild seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Tonight Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 31. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph. Monday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 63. Light and variable wind. Monday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 35. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph in the evening. Tuesday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 62. Calm wind. Tuesday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 35. Light and variable wind. Wednesday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Thursday A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Friday Sunny, with a high near 61. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 66. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 62.

buddy, can you spare a raindrop?

Because, apparently, Mother Nature cannot. There has been a warming trend the past several days since my last post (sorry, been fighting a nasty cold). That warming trend will continue this weekend, making it feel more like March than December. Highs by Monday will be in the mid 60s, a full ten degrees warmer than usual. There is a SLIGHT chance of a shower Wednesday night and Thursday, thanks to a cold front originating from the Gulf of Alaska. While this cold front may not bring the abundant moisture we so desperately need, it will knock the high temps down to at or slightly below normal by next Thursday. In the meantime, keep praying for rain. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 61. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 61. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the morning. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 6 mph in the evening. Monday Sunny, with a high near 63. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 62. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Wednesday Night A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Thursday A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Friday Sunny, with a high near 54.

nice and mild

After a chilly start this morning (currently it's 28 degrees in Chico), expect a mild end to the day today, with a high of 53 degrees. In fact, the cold air is going to be pushed out of here the next few days as the jet stream flattens out. This will cause milder Pacific air to come on in, resulting in highs in the upper 50s to mid 60s tomorrow through early next week. Unfortunately, what we need most we're not going to get: rain. There is no mention of rain or snow in the forecast for the next seven days. This is not good, as we have seen the driest start to our rainy season since 1921. The Sierra snowpack is less than half of normal to this date, and if we don't get some abundant moisture soon, we could be looking at water rationing in California by next summer. Not good. Let's hope we get a parade of storms soon. For now, here is the dry and mild forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Today Widespread frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 53. North northeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon. Tonight Patchy frost after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 28. North northeast wind around 8 mph. Thursday Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 55. East northeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the evening. Friday Sunny, with a high near 59. North wind 3 to 6 mph. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 59. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.

gradual warm up this week

It has been a cold weekend in Chico, with high temps both yesterday and today in the mid 40s. That's a good 10 degrees colder than average. Good news is that we will begin to warm up this week, but it won't be until Wednesday before we get back to temperatures we typically see this time of year. It will be frosty cold again tonight, with the expected low around 19 degrees. This morning's low temperature was 20 degrees, so we did not reach the record low of 15 degrees for this date. Tomorrow's record low is 13 degrees, so we won't get too close to that record. By next weekend , look for highs flirting with 60 degrees. There will be a slight chance of rain Thursday and again Sunday. Otherwise, it'll be dry and sunny. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Widespread frost after 10pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 19. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Monday Widespread frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 49. North northwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Monday Night Areas of frost after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 22. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Tuesday Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming light and variable in the morning. Tuesday Night Areas of frost after 10pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Light east northeast wind. Wednesday Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Thursday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Thursday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Sunday A slight chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.

coldest air of the season arrives this weekend

It has been an interesting 24 hours in the Northstate, with cold temperatures and snow levels down to below 1000 feet. Chico officially did not see any accumulating snow, but locations in the foothills east of Chico did. At my house, elevation 1500 feet, 3 inches of snow fell between yesterday afternoon around 4pm and early this morning. Paradise saw over 5 inches. It's rather unusual (but nor unheard of) for that much snow to fall in early December. This was the first accumulating snowfall at my house in nearly three years. So it happens, but not often. The next big weather story for our area is the cold temperatures that will affect us tonight and tomorrow night. A Hard Freeze Warning has already been posted for tonight through tomorrow morning for the Sacramento Valley, including Chico. Lows will drop into the teens and twenties! Chico will flirt with its record low for December 8th, which is 15 degrees! Temperatures will gradually moderate over the next several days as the sun returns and milder zonal (Pacific) flow returns. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today A chance of rain and snow showers before 11am. Patchy dense fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 16. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 40. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm in the morning. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 16. Light north northwest wind becoming north northeast 5 to 9 mph after midnight. Monday Sunny, with a high near 46. Northeast wind 7 to 9 mph becoming south in the morning. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 18. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Thursday A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Thursday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Friday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 58.

Winter Weather Advisory for Chico and the central Sacramento Valley

Chico could (emphasis on could) see up to an inch of snow by tomorrow morning. We will see. More from the National Weather Service: WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM PST SATURDAY... * IMPACTS: HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO ACCUMULATING SNOW AND TRAVEL DELAYS LIKELY. REDUCED VISIBILITIES FROM BLOWING SNOW. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: UP TO 1 INCH. * TIMING: LATE EVENING INTO EARLY SATURDAY MORNING * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: * WINDS: SOUTHEAST 10 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

Winter Storm Warning for foothills; rain and snow mix for Chico

It's another cold morning in Chico currently, with 27 degrees at the airport this hour. A quick-moving storm system will move through late this afternoon and overnight tonight, bringing a mix of rain and snow for Chico, and accumulating snow for the Northern Sacramento Valley (Redding), foothills (Paradise, Magalia) and the mountains (Quincy, Lassen Park). Over a foot of snow is expected in the highest elevations above 6000 feet, while foothills communities such as Paradise may see up to six inches. Elevations generally below 1500 feet will see 1-3 inches, while the valley floor above 500 feet may see around an inch. The Winter Storm Warning for the foothills and mountains above 1000 feet is in effect between 4pm today until 7am tomorrow. Rainfall amounts in Chico will be around a quarter of an inch. By tomorrow afternoon, the rain and snow will be a memory, as sunshine returns and temps warm into the mid 40s (warm being relative). If you're sick of the cold weather, fear not, because highs will return to around 60 degrees by late next week. If you're attending the community Christmas tree lighting ceremonies tonight at Chico's Downtown Plaza beginning at 6:30, bring a coat and umbrella, as showers may be falling and the temperature hovers right around 40 degrees. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Increasing clouds, with a high near 45. Calm wind becoming southeast 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Tonight Rain and snow, mainly before 4am. Low around 31. South southeast wind 11 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Saturday A chance of rain and snow before 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. Light and variable wind becoming west northwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 17. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming north northeast in the evening. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 44. North wind 3 to 7 mph. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 19. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Wednesday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Thursday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 58.

Winter Storm Watch for foothills east of Chico

I've been hesitant to post this, as it does not pertain to Chico directly. However, it does affect communities east of Chico, and many people in those communities commute to jobs in Chico. This next storm has the potential to drop significant amounts of snow in the foothills, with locations that aren't accustomed to seeing hardly any snow. It's cold enough that valley locations above 500 feet may see 1-3" of the white stuff. Chico itself may see a mix of rain and snow, particularly overnight Friday into Saturday morning. Here's the statement from the National Weather Service: WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * IMPACTS: TRAVEL PROBLEMS LIKELY...WITH MAJOR ROADS IN THE MOUNTAINS AND FOOTHILLS POTENTIALLY HAVING EXTENDED DELAYS. DRIVING CONDITIONS NORMALLY SEEN ONLY NEAR PASS LEVELS WILL OCCUR AT MUCH LOWER ELEVATIONS. * CONFIDENCE: HIGH IN MOUNTAIN AND FOOTHILL SNOW. * TIMING: SNOW SPREADING INTO THE AREA FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND PEAKING IN INTENSITY FRIDAY EVENING. LINGERING SNOW SHOWERS INTO EARLY SATURDAY. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: CHESTER...QUINCY...LASSEN NATIONAL PARK... PARADISE. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 10 INCHES OF SNOW IN THE VALLEYS AND IN THE MOUNTAINS 9 TO 18 INCHES....HIGHEST TOTALS OVER SOUTHERN WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTY.

Hard Freeze for overnight tonight

From the National Weather Service in Sacramento: A HARD FREEZE WARNING BELOW 2000 FEET REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM PST FRIDAY. * TEMPERATURES: OVERNIGHT LOWS IN THE UPPER TEENS TO UPPER 20S OVERNIGHT TONIGHT AND THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING. * TIMING: OVERNIGHT LOWS TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING FOR HARD FREEZE. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: PARADISE...LAKEPORT. * IMPACTS: COLD TEMPERATURES COULD DAMAGE CROPS AND KILL SENSITIVE VEGETATION...HARM PETS AND LIVESTOCK AND COULD CAUSE PIPES TO BURST.

some snow for Chico?

This Arctic blast is no joke. Currently it's 30 degrees in Chico, with about an hour to go before sunrise. So, it will probably get colder before the sun rises. There is a Freeze Warning in effect currently for Chico until 10 this morning, and a Hard Freeze Warning that goes into effect tonight. Temps will dip into the low 20s overnight tonight, giving us some of the coldest air in five years. Looking ahead to the end of this week, there is a chance of a rain/ snow mix for Chico on Friday and Friday night. It is quite unusual for Chico to see any snow, so this could be quite an event if it is cold enough for all snow. I will keep abreast of any changes in the forecast. There is a Winter Storm Watch for the Sierra foothills and mountains beginning Friday and lasting through Saturday morning. The snow level could be as low as 1000 feet, which includes Upper Bidwell Park. The Chico city limits extend into Upper Bidwell Park. So, if any accumulating snow falls at the 1000 foot level, it will count as accumulating snow in Chico. That has happened I believe only once in the over 11 years I've lived here. Again, I will post updates as the time period draws closer. High temps in Chico from now through Sunday will remain in the 40s (normal high is 56-57 degrees), with the exception of Friday, when highs will only reach the mid 30s! Highs will begin to moderate by early next week, as another storm, this time from the milder Pacific Ocean, moves in. For now, here is what the National Weather Service is saying for Chico the next seven days: Today Sunny, with a high near 49. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Tonight Widespread frost, mainly after 5am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 23. North northwest wind around 5 mph. Thursday Widespread frost before 11am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 46. North northwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of rain after 5am. Patchy frost after 11pm. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 27. Light east southeast wind. Friday A chance of rain before 11am, then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Light east southeast wind becoming south southeast 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected. Friday Night Rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 21. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Monday Night A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Tuesday A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

Freeze Warning and Hard Freeze Warning in effect

From the National Weather Service: FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 8 AM PST WEDNESDAY... ...HARD FREEZE WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO 9 AM PST FRIDAY... THE HARD FREEZE WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO 9 AM PST FRIDAY. A FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 8 AM PST WEDNESDAY. * TEMPERATURES: OVERNIGHT LOWS 26 TO 32 TONIGHT...THEN COLDER AND IN THE 20S EACH NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING. * TIMING: TONIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING FOR THE FREEZE. OVERNIGHT LOWS WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING FOR HARD FREEZE. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: STOCKTON...MODESTO...SACRAMENTO. * IMPACTS: COLD TEMPERATURES DAMAGE CROPS AND KILL SENSITIVE VEGETATION...HARM PETS AND LIVESTOCK AND COULD CAUSE PIPES TO BURST.

latest on the freeze watches

From the National Weather Service office in Sacramento: FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING... ...HARD FREEZE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A FREEZE WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING. HARD FREEZE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING. * TEMPERATURES: NEAR FREEZING TUESDAY NIGHT, THEN IN THE 20S WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT. * TIMING: TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: STOCKTON...MODESTO...SACRAMENTO...CHICO... REDDING. * IMPACTS: COLD TEMPERATURES COULD KILL CROPS AND SENSITIVE VEGETATION...HARM PETS AND LIVESTOCK AND COULD CAUSE PIPES TO BURST.

baby, it's (going to get) cold outside!

After a high temperature of 70 degrees yesterday, and 67 degrees today, Chicoans are probably not ready for the cold weather that's about to grip us later this week. There will be one more day of mild weather tomorrow before colder air filters into our area from Canada. In fact, it's going to be so cold the National Weather Service has already issued a Hard Freeze Watch, in effect late Wednesday through Saturday morning. This means sub-freezing temperatures are possible for several hours during that time period, mainly during the overnight and early morning hours. Bring in potted plants and pets, and wrap your water pipes so they do not burst. Daytime highs will be in the mid 50s on Tuesday, around 50 on Wednesday, and mid 40s Thursday and Friday. Highs will begin to warm into the lower 50s by next weekend. For reference, the normal high for Chico in early December is around 58 degrees. Oh, well. Perhaps this cold weather will put people into the Christmas spirit, right? Here's Chico's chilly forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Calm wind. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers before 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Northwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28. North wind 5 to 11 mph. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 50. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 46. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. Friday Sunny, with a high near 47. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.

colder weather coming

There's increasing confidence that colder weather will impact both the Sacramento River valley (including Chico) and adjacent foothills and mountains. A widespread freeze event could occur by the middle of next week. More from the National Weather Service: A COLD LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM ORIGINATING FROM WESTERN CANADA MAY IMPACT NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NEXT WEEK. CONFIDENCE IS INCREASING IN THE DETAILS WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS AND SNOW LEVELS DROPPING DOWN TO AROUND 2500 FEET. EXPECT OVERNIGHT LOWS TO DROP SIGNIFICANTLY BEHIND THE SYSTEM WITH THE POTENTIAL OF A WIDESPREAD VALLEY FREEZE. IMPACTS: * FIRST...SLIPPERY MOUNTAIN PASSES...POSSIBLE LIGHT SNOW ACCUMULATIONS INTO UPPER FOOTHILLS. * NEXT...COLD TEMPERATURES MAY KILL SENSITIVE VEGETATION, AND HARM PETS/LIVESTOCK. FORECAST CONFIDENCE: * MEDIUM FOR SNOW SHOWERS. * MEDIUM FOR FREEZING OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURES. TIMING AND STRENGTH * TUESDAY: INCREASING CHANCE OF SHOWERS, ESPECIALLY IN THE MOUNTAINS. SNOW LEVELS DROPPING TO 2500 FEET. MULTIPLE INCHES OF SNOW ACCUMULATION ABOVE 5500 FT WITH LIGHTER ACCUMULATIONS BELOW. * WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHTS: VALLEY LOWS 22 TO 32. MOUNTAIN LOWS 5 TO 22.

dry for the weekend; cooler for next week

Ugh! I'm still full from yesterday's Thanksgiving meal! Good thing we have nice weather today to go outside and work off some of the calories packed on yesterday! It reached 70 degrees in Chico yesterday under partly sunny skies, and should remain warm through this weekend. High temperatures will generally be in the mid to upper 60s through Sunday. Monday will be the transition day, with highs in the lower 60s and a slight chance of a shower. Tuesday through Thursday highs will plummet to the lower 50s as a strong cold front will push through, dropping cold Arctic air down from interior Canada. Cold is a relative term, and the air will have modified by the time it reaches Northern California. But it will still be colder than normal for this time of year by almost ten degrees. Overnight lows by the middle of next week will drop into the upper 20s to lower 30s. Brrr! Break out the coats, hats, and gloves! Here is Chico's forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 66. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Light and variable wind becoming northeast around 6 mph in the evening. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. North northwest wind around 6 mph. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Monday A 20 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Monday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Tuesday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Tuesday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Wednesday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.

nice weather for Thanksgiving

Happy day before Turkey Day! The past few days in Chico weather wise have been nice for this time of year, with partly sunny skies and high temps in the 60s. High pressure has exerted its control over the West Coast, keeping storms out over the Pacific Ocean. We have seen mainly high cloudiness in association with a storm that has been forced by this high pressure to stay parked over the eastern Pacific. That storm may brush the central and southern California coast over the next couple of days, but it will remain high and dry for us here in Northern California. High cloudiness will still filter the sunshine today and tomorrow, with highs at seasonal averages in the lower 60s. Black Friday also looks dry, with morning lows in the upper 30s. So if you are waiting in line at area stores, bring a coat and a hat. Highs Friday through Sunday look to be in the mid 60s. By early next week, a pattern shift may occur, with an increasing (but still slight at this time) chance of rain and highs only in the 50s. We'll see if that pans out. For now, enjoy the lovely, mild weather we are experiencing, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Calm wind. Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Light north northeast wind. Thanksgiving Day Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Calm wind. Friday Sunny, with a high near 65. Light and variable wind. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 65. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Monday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Monday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Tuesday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 52.

dry through Thanksgiving

The Freeze Warning from the National Weather Service I had posted yesterday was not needed, as the low in Chico this morning stayed above freezing. There could be some patchy frost tonight, but temps once again should stay above the freezing mark. Chico saw hazy sunshine today, with highs around 61 degrees. An inversion layer had set up over the Sacramento Valley, trapping some pollutants close to the ground, which resulted in the hazy skies. Look for continued dry and sunny weather through Thanksgiving and beyond, as a strong ridge of high pressure anchors itself over the West Coast. We desperately need the rain and mountain snow, but it's just not going to happen anytime soon. I'm hoping December and January are stormy. Here is the dry forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Tonight Patchy frost after 10pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 34. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Monday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 62. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the morning. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Calm wind becoming east northeast around 6 mph in the evening. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 62. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the morning. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Light and variable wind. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Thanksgiving Day Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 66. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 67.

Freeze Warning for early Sunday

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A FREEZE WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 8 AM PST SUNDAY. * TEMPERATURES: 28 TO 36. COLDEST TEMPERATURES OVER THE NORTHERN AND CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY AND SUB-BURBS AROUND SACRAMENTO. * TIMING: 3 AM TO 8 AM SUNDAY MORNING. DURATION WILL RANGE FROM 1 TO 5 HOURS AT OR BELOW FREEZING. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: DAVIS...LINCOLN...MARYSVILLE...CHICO...REDDING * IMPACTS: SENSITIVE POTTED PLANTS IF LEFT OUTDOORS COULD BE DAMAGED OR KILLED. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS COULD DAMAGE CROPS OR KILL OTHER SENSITIVE VEGETATION. PETS AND LIVESTOCK SHOULD HAVE PROPER SHELTER TO BE PROTECTED FROM THE COLD.

dry and mild; possible wet Thanksgiving?

The winds in Chico were not as bad as feared the past two days; the highest gusts were in the 20-25 mph range. It was a different story in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where gusts in some locations there were up to 80 mph! Snow totals in the mountains with this last storm ranged from 4-10 inches. Not a lot, but we may have another opportunity for more, as another storm is expected to influence our area by the middle of next week. Until then, dry and mild conditions will continue. The high temperature in Chico yesterday was a mild 74 degrees, thanks to those down sloping northwesterly winds. The winds will ease up today, with highs around 65 degrees. You may want to cover any tender vegetation tonight, as lows are predicted to be right around freezing. The weather looks fine for the annual Christmas Preview in downtown Chico tomorrow, with dry conditions and temperatures at sunset in the mid to upper 50s. Here's the rest of Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 65. North northwest wind around 8 mph. Tonight Patchy frost after 10pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 32. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Sunday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 60. Light west northwest wind. Sunday Night Patchy frost after 10pm. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 33. Light north northeast wind. Monday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 61. Light and variable wind. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 61. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Wednesday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 60. Wednesday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Thanksgiving Day A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Thursday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

update on Wind Advisory

A long duration wind event is likely the next couple of days. In addition, strong winds in the higher elevations of both the Coast Range and Sierra Nevada up to 80 mph are likely. A High Wind Warning is in effect for those areas. For Chico, the Wind Advisory is now in effect from this morning until tomorrow evening. Bust out the hairspray! More from the National Weather Service: WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM PST FRIDAY... * WINDS: NORTH 15 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH. * TIMING: INCREASING WINDS THIS MORNING...DECREASING SLIGHTLY TONIGHT...BUT INCREASING AGAIN FRIDAY MORNING. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: SACRAMENTO...CHICO...REDDING. * IMPACTS: DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. UNSECURED OBJECTS MAY BLOW AROUND.

Wind Advisory in effect

Chico has received 1.47" of rain from this slow-moving storm system. It has been gray all day, with off-and-on showers. Once this storm passes, strong winds will be gusty from the northwest. More from the National Weather Service: WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM PST THURSDAY... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM PST THURSDAY. * WINDS: NORTH 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH. THE STRONGER WINDS WILL MAINLY IMPACT THE WEST AND NORTH SIDES OF THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY. * TIMING: STRONGEST WINDS EXPECTED DURING THE DAY THURSDAY. BREEZY CONDITIONS POSSIBLE AGAIN FRIDAY. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: REDDING...RED BLUFF...WOODLAND * IMPACTS: DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. UNSECURED OBJECTS MAY BLOW AROUND.

latest from the National Weather Service

Chico has already received 1.15" of rain the past 24 hours ending at 10 pm this evening. Now some areas, especially higher elevations, may have to deal with strong winds later this week. More from the NWS: PRECIPITATION CONTINUES INTO THURSDAY WITH STRONG WINDS TO FOLLOW THURSDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY OVER INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA... * IMPACTS: WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS LIMITED TO SIERRA PASSES... WIDESPREAD RAIN AND FALLEN LEAVES MAY LEAD TO SLICK ROADS AND CLOGGED DRAINS THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. VERY STRONG AND POSSIBLY DAMAGING WINDS IN THE MOUNTAINS THURSDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY MORNING. * TIMING: PERIODS OF VALLEY RAIN AND MOUNTAIN SNOW TONIGHT BECOMING SHOWERY LATE WEDNESDAY. SHOWERS LINGERING INTO THURSDAY OVER THE SIERRA NEVADA. INCREASING WINDS LATER IN THE WEEK. * RAINFALL AMOUNTS: ONE-HALF INCH TO ONE AND ONE-QUARTER INCH IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY...OVER TWO INCHES OF RAIN IN THE FOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAINS. * SNOWFALL AMOUNTS THROUGH THURSDAY: SEVERAL INCHES OF WET SNOW POSSIBLE OVER THE SIERRA PASSES. CLOSE TO A FOOT OR SO OF SNOW OVER HIGHER REMOTE ELEVATIONS ABOVE 7000 FEET. * WINDS: GUSTS 50 TO 80 MPH POSSIBLE IN THE MOUNTAINS AT TIMES THURSDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY MORNING. GUSTS TO 40 MPH POSSIBLE WEST SIDE OF THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY AND EASTERN SOLANO COUNTY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY AFTERNOONS. * SYNOPSIS: SLOW MOVING PACIFIC FRONT CONTINUES RAIN AND SNOW OVER INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT... LINGERING SHOWERS THURSDAY. STRONG WINDS DEVELOP BEHIND THE FRONT LATE THURSDAY INTO SATURDAY.

much needed rain on the way

It was a fantastic weekend weather-wise in Chico, with partly to mostly sunny skies, fairly light winds, and highs in the mid 60s. Enjoy one more day similar to this weekend tomorrow before rain enters the picture tomorrow night. Highs tomorrow under partly sunny skies will be in the mid 60s, but the next storm that's moving in from the Pacific will be bringing much needed rain into our area by late tomorrow night. The rain lingers into Tuesday and Tuesday night before tapering off to showers by Wednesday. Winds should not be a major issue with this storm, as the energy for that will move to our north with the jet stream. However, we should get some decent rain amounts, with three-quarters of an inch for parts of the valley and well over an inch for the Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains. This is a warm storm with subtropical moisture, so don't expect much snow- generally a few inches above pass level. Make sure to clear any fallen leaves from gutters and storm drains, as they could block the flow of water and cause minor flooding issues. The sun should return by Thursday and remain through the end of next weekend. Chilly high temps in the mid and upper 50s on Tuesday and Wednesday will give way to mid and upper 60s for Thursday through Sunday. Yay rain! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Calm wind. Monday A 30 percent chance of rain after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 63. South southeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Monday Night Rain likely, mainly after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 50. Southeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tuesday Rain. High near 54. Southeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tuesday Night Rain. Low around 49. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Wednesday Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 59. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Wednesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Friday Sunny, with a high near 67. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 69. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 68.

perhaps some rain next week?

Fingers crossed. From the National Weather Service in Sacramento: WIDESPREAD WET STORM BY EARLY NEXT WEEK... * IMPACTS: WARMER STORM WITH WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS LIMITED TO SIERRA PASSES. WIDESPREAD RAIN AND FALLEN LEAVES MAY LEAD TO SLICK ROADS AND CLOGGED DRAINS. * PRECIPITATION: RAIN OVER COASTAL RANGE AND SHASTA COUNTY MONDAY NIGHT SPREADING SOUTHEASTWARD TUESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY WITH SNOW LIMITED TO NEAR SIERRA PASSES. * SNOW LEVELS: WARM SYSTEM WITH SNOW LEVELS 6500 FEET NORTHWARD OF PLUMAS AND TEHAMA COUNTIES AND 7500 TO 8000 FEET SOUTHWARD OF SIERRA COUNTY BY TUESDAY. * ACCUMULATIONS: UP TO 0.50 INCHES OF RAIN IN THE VALLEY AND UP TO 1.5 INCHES OVER MOUNTAINS. ONLY UP TO A COUPLE OF INCHES OF SNOW OVER SIERRA PASSES WITH MORE OVER HIGHEST PEAKS. * WINDS: NORTHERLY WIND GUSTS 20 TO 30 MPH IN THE NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY AND SIERRA TODAY AND SATURDAY...SOUTHWESTERLY GUSTS 30 TO 40 MPH OVER THE HIGHER SIERRA WITH THE NEXT SIGNIFICANT STORM SYSTEM ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY . * SYNOPSIS: A WARMER STORM WITH A SUBTROPICAL MOISTURE TAP WILL BRING WIDESPREAD PRECIPITATION ACROSS THE AREA EARLY NEXT WEEK WITH SNOWFALL LIMITED TO NEAR AND ABOVE PASS LEVELS. THESE SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO DELIVER SIGNIFICANT PRECIPITATION IN THE PAST, HOWEVER CONFIDENCE IS FAIRLY LOW AS THE SYSTEM MAY BE QUICKER AND SHUNTED SOUTHWARD.

drought persists in the West

Here is the latest drought information for the United States from the National Weather Service. It is telling how deep the drought is in the western part of the country.

chilly weekend

Wow! The high temperature in Chico yesterday was 82 degrees, tying a record set 107 years ago, back in 1906. What's also interesting (well, to a weather geek like me), the temperature diurnal, or the difference between the morning low and the afternoon high temperature, was a whopping 41 degrees! The morning low in Chico yesterday was 41 degrees; eight hours later, it was 82. This was courtesy of dry air (the temperature diurnal is often greater when the air is dry) and northwest, down sloping winds that cause the air to warm rapidly. By Saturday, highs will be over 20 degrees colder than yesterday's high. A cold front sweeping down from the Gulf of Alaska will drag colder air from up north beginning tomorrow and lasting through early next week. Unfortunately, this cold front is too weak and the air too dry to give us any precipitation, so the drought continues. Overnight lows in the valley early Sunday and Monday mornings may dip into the mid 30s, prompting the first frost advisories of the season so far. We'll see if that happens. By the middle of next week, high temps will be back above normal. I just wish we'd get some rain! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 6 mph in the morning. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 42. North wind 9 to 11 mph. Friday Sunny, with a high near 64. North northwest wind around 10 mph. Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. North northeast wind 5 to 9 mph. Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 59. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 62. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Monday Sunny, with a high near 67. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Tuesday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.

Continued dry

I hope everyone had a nice Veterans' Day. Thank you to all who have served our country. The weather was nice yesterday, with some milky white high clouds filtering some of the sunshine over Chico, and a high of 74 degrees. We should be at 67 degrees for our high for November 11th. Other than a slight chance (20%) of showers this morning, expect dry and mainly sunny skies through early next week. This high pressure ridge over us is strong, keeping the jet stream far to our north and steering storms into the Pacific Northwest. High temperatures will be in the low to mid 70s through Thursday, then cool down slightly into the upper 60s for this weekend. A weak cold front will push through our area at the end of this week, bringing in cooler marine air but no rain. Here is the detailed seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Today A 20 percent chance of showers before 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 71. West northwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 43. North wind around 6 mph. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 74. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 43. North wind around 8 mph. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 73. North northwest wind 7 to 9 mph. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.

slight chance of rain Tuesday; otherwise, high and dry

It has been an absolutely beautiful weekend here in Chico, with a high of 76 on Saturday, and a high of 74 today. Sunny skies dominated, albeit with some slightly stagnant air hanging over Chico due to light winds and a lack of rain. We need rain desperately, but it's not going to happen. There is a slight chance of showers (20%) tomorrow night into Tuesday morning; otherwise, forget about any decent rain for awhile. This could be one of the driest Novembers in Chico weather history, as we have had no measurable rain so far this month. The rainy season of 2005-2006 was similar to this, in which it began with almost no rain during November and much of December, and then one big storm after another pummeled Northern California right before and after Christmas. Perhaps that will happen this rainy season? Only time will tell. Until then, enjoy the sunny and dry autumn weather. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. East northeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Veterans Day Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. East southeast wind 5 to 7 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers before 11am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 70. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming light and variable in the morning. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 42. North wind around 6 mph. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 73. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

that chance for rain? Maybe not.

You can stop looking forward to that rain chance for next week. It looks like it has dwindled to a "slight chance" for next Monday night and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. We may not see ANY rain for the month of November, as a large, sprawling, powerful ridge of high pressure dominates our weather over the next seven to ten days. This is not good, as we are already in a serious drought situation here in the Western U.S. Who knows when we'll see rain again! Look for mainly sunny skies and mild temperatures for the next week, with just a slight chance of a shower Monday night, Tuesday, and Tuesday night. Highs will be in the upper 60s to lower 70s, while overnight lows will be in the mid 40s. The good news is that the fall colors in Chico are really nice right now, and this mild weather will prolong those colors. Here's Chico's specific seven day forecast from the NWS: Today Sunny, with a high near 71. Light and variable wind. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Light northeast wind. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming south southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47. South southeast wind around 5 mph becoming northeast in the evening. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the morning. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Veterans Day Partly sunny, with a high near 67. Monday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Tuesday A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Tuesday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.

finally... some rain in the forecast

Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful fall day in Chico, with sunny skies, light winds, and mild temperatures. The high temp at the Chico State University Farm on the south side of town was 76 degrees, while across town on the north side the high at the Chico Airport was 73 degrees. Our average high for this time of year is 69. Expect to see similar weather today, as the fall foliage reaches its peak in Chico. Some of the fall colors have really become more intense the past few days, and I need to capture those colors in photos before they fade. Anyway, computer models are becoming more in agreement that a deep trough of low pressure will invade from the Gulf of Alaska beginning late this weekend, bringing us much cooler temperatures and wet weather. Right now the National Weather Service is playing it safe, not stating any rain percentages. The NWS is only saying there is a "chance of rain" for Monday and Tuesday of next week. As we get closer to that timeframe, the forecast should become more certain of how much rain we will get. Keep checking back for updates. For now, here is what the NWS is saying for Chico the next seven days: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind. Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. East wind 3 to 5 mph. Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Light east wind becoming south southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm in the evening. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Northwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Sunday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 64. Sunday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Veterans Day A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Monday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Tuesday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.

where's the rain?

Northern California is well into its rainy season right now, but we haven't seen any actual rain for awhile. Where is it? Off to our north, as the Pacific Northwest is bearing the brunt of the wet and stormy weather. Oh, there's a slight chance of rain in this week's forecast, but nothing major. So our drought continues. Those gusty northwest winds we experienced yesterday only exacerbated the extremely dry conditions. Wind gusts in Chico reached 37 mph, with a high of 65 degrees. The winds won't be as fierce today, gusting up to 20 mph, again, from the northwest. Look for high temps in the mid 60s again today, with highs around 70 for tomorrow through Thursday. Another weak and dry front moves through Thursday, dropping temperatures a few degrees Friday and Saturday, but it will remain mainly dry. Our next chance of rain hopefully will happen Sunday, with highs struggling to reach 60 degrees. Overnight lows will remain in the 40s through this coming weekend. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 67. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 41. North northeast wind around 6 mph. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 69. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Light and variable wind. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the morning. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Thursday A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Saturday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Sunday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 60.

Wind Advisory for overnight tonight into Sunday

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 4 PM PST SUNDAY. * WINDS: NORTH 15 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH. * TIMING: LATE TONIGHT INTO SUNDAY AFTERNOON. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: SACRAMENTO...CHICO...RED BLUFF...FAIRFIELD. STRONGEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED ALONG THE WEST SIDE OF THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY AND IN THE DELTA. * IMPACTS: DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS FOR HIGH PROFILE AND LIGHT WEIGHT VEHICLES. UNSECURED OBJECTS MAY BLOW AROUND. DOWNED BRANCHES AND LIMBS ARE POSSIBLE.

cool and breezy

After a warm day yesterday, in which the high temperature in Chico reached 77 degrees (normal for November 1st is 71 degrees), expect cooler weather over the next several days. This is due to a series of cool fronts moving through our area. These fronts won't give us any rain, unfortunately, but will bring both cooler Pacific air as well as breezy northerly winds. The peak time for these winds will be tonight and tomorrow. Highs today will be right around average, and then will be below average through next week. Overnight lows will be chilly, dipping into the upper 30s by early Monday morning. Hopefully we will see some rain towards the end of next week. This may change, so keep checking back for updates. Some events happening in Chico today and tomorrow include theater productions such as "The Weir," being staged by the Rogue Theater at the Southside Playhouse tonight at 7:30, as well as Young Frankenstein at Chico Theater Company at 7:30 tonight and 2pm tomorrow; The Grand Guignol: Theatre of Terror at the Blue Room Theatre, at 7:30 tonight; the University Chorus presents "From Where the Sun Now Stands," featuring the aforementioned University Chorus, A Capella Choir, and Chamber Singers, happening at Harlen Adams Theatre on the Chico State campus at 7:30 tonight; TedX Talks at the Sierra Nevada Brewery all day today beginning at 11am; the 39th annual Almond Bowl, a 5k marathon and half marathon happening at One Mile in Bidwell Park tomorrow at 8am; and two Dia de Los Muertos events: Dia de Los Muertos: Befriending Death at the Chico Women's Club from 1-6pm tomorrow, and First We Die Then We Dance from 6-8:30pm, also at Chico Women's Club. Lots of stuff happening in our active little town! Soak up the wonderful fall weather, and enjoy all that Chico offers! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. North northwest wind 8 to 11 mph. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. North northwest wind 9 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. North wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Monday Sunny, with a high near 64. North northwest wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Thursday A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Thursday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Friday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

no rain for awhile

Chico received a paltry .03" of rain late Sunday/ early Monday of this week. That's all the rain we will see for awhile as high pressure asserts itself over our area. It has been abnormally cool the past few days, as well, with Monday's high only getting to 59 degrees and yesterday reaching 62 degrees. We should be at 72 degrees for the end of October. As high pressure builds the next few days our temperatures will begin to climb, from the upper 60s today to the mid 70s Friday. A series of storms will move through the Pacific Northwest over the next several days, not providing us with any rain but affecting our temperatures. Highs will cool down this weekend into the 60s again with the passage of a rather potent storm that will bring heavy rain and wind to parts of Washington and Oregon on Saturday. Halloween looks high and dry, and the little ones should have no weather-related concerns when trick-or-treating tomorrow. For a safe and fun Halloween, take the little monsters to downtown Chico for the annual Treat Street. Various participating businesses will be handing out treats to all the kids who are trick-or-treating. It runs from 2pm until 5pm tomorrow. Here is Chico's dry and sunny seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 68. Light and variable wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon. Tonight Clear, with a low around 42. Light and variable wind becoming west northwest around 5 mph in the evening. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 75. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable in the morning. Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 43. Light and variable wind becoming east northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Friday Sunny, with a high near 74. North northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the morning. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

unsettled and cooler

It was much cooler today in Chico than it was yesterday. The high yesterday was 81 degrees; the high today was 72 degrees. It has been breezy today, as well, with southerly winds gusting to 25 mph. As this low pressure from the Gulf of Alaska draws closer, it will pull down even cooler air from up north. The forecast high tomorrow is only 57 degrees! We haven't seen a high temperature that cold since last winter! There is a chance of showers for the valley late tonight and into tomorrow, along with an isolated thunderstorm. In the Sierra Nevada mountains, up to eight inches of snow are possible above 6000 feet, with around 4-6 inches above 5000 feet. If traveling to the mountains, bring tire chains and a winter survival kit, just in case. Winds in the valley will shift from the south to the northwest overnight tonight and remain gusty around 20 mph. In the mountains, winds from the southwest will gust to 40 mph and may create whiteout conditions. By Tuesday the storm will exit and the sun will return, but it will remain well below normal (average highs this time of year for Chico are around 72-73 degrees). Overnight lows will also be below the average; there might be some frost advisories put into effect late Tuesday into early Wednesday- stay tuned. Right now Halloween looks dry and mild. Here is the rest of Chico's forecast through next weekend from the National Weather Service: Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. South southeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Monday A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Monday Night A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. East southeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. South wind 3 to 5 mph. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Light and variable wind. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 67. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 74. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Friday Sunny, with a high near 74. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Saturday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Sunday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 66.

update on this storm

It appears the winds won't be as strong in the northern and central Sacramento Valley as previously thought. Still, expect a dramatic change in the weather over the next 24-36 hours. More from the National Weather Service office in Sacramento: DRASTIC CHANGE IN THE WEATHER FOR INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MONDAY AND TUESDAY... * IMPACTS: COLDER TEMPERATURES AND WET ROADS. WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS OVER TRANS-SIERRA PASSES MONDAY INTO TUESDAY. * TEMPERATURES: DAYTIME HIGHS WILL BE MUCH COLDER MONDAY AND TUESDAY...15 TO 30 DEGREES COLDER THAN THIS WEEKEND. * PRECIPITATION: WIDESPREAD MOUNTAIN/FOOTHILL SHOWERS WITH SCATTERED VALLEY SHOWERS LATE SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY...DECREASING TUESDAY. * SNOW LEVELS: LOWERING SNOW LEVELS TO 4000 TO 5000 FEET BY EARLY MONDAY. * ACCUMULATIONS: 4-8 INCHES OF SNOW POSSIBLE ABOVE 6000...WITH A FEW INCHES POSSIBLE ABOVE 5000 FEET. * WINDS: NORTHERLY WIND GUSTS TO 20 MPH IN THE NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY...SOUTHWESTERLY GUSTS TO 30 MPH IN THE SOUTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY...AND SOUTHWEST GUSTS 50 TO 65 MPH OVER HIGHER RIDGES IN THE SIERRA NEVADA SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY. * A FEW THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE IN THE EASTERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY AND SURROUNDING FOOTHILLS MONDAY AFTERNOON. * SYNOPSIS: A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IS FORECAST TO STRENGTHEN AS IT MOVES SOUTHWARD FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST INTO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. THIS SYSTEM WILL BRING MUCH COLDER AND UNSETTLED WEATHER INTO THE REGION BEGINNING SUNDAY NIGHT AND LASTING INTO TUESDAY.

Special Weather Statement from the NWS

DRASTIC CHANGE IN THE WEATHER FOR INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MONDAY AND TUESDAY... * IMPACTS: COLDER TEMPERATURES AND WET ROADS. WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS OVER THE TRANS-SIERRA PASSES MONDAY. * TEMPERATURES: MUCH COLDER HIGH TEMPERATURES MONDAY AND TUESDAY...15 TO 30 DEGREES COLDER THAN THIS WEEKEND. * PRECIPITATION: WIDESPREAD SHOWERS LATE SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY...DECREASING TUESDAY. * SNOW LEVELS: LOWERING SNOW LEVELS TO 4000 TO 5000 FEET BY EARLY MONDAY. * ACCUMULATIONS: 4-8 INCHES OF SNOW POSSIBLE ABOVE 6000 FEET...LIGHTER ACCUMULATIONS BELOW 6000 FEET. * WINDS: NORTHERLY WIND GUSTS TO 35 MPH IN THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY AND SOUTHWEST WIND GUSTS 50 TO 60 MPH OVER HIGHER RIDGES IN THE SIERRA NEVADA SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY. * SYNOPSIS: A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IS FORECAST TO STRENGTHEN AS IT MOVES SOUTHWARD FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST INTO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. THIS SYSTEM WILL BRING MUCH COLDER AND UNSETTLED WEATHER INTO THE REGION BEGINNING SUNDAY NIGHT AND LASTING INTO TUESDAY.

below normal temps for next week

Happy Friday, Chicoans! Get ready for some fantastic fall weather this weekend! Highs will be in the upper 70s today through Sunday, with nothing but gorgeous sunshine and light winds. By Monday, the weather will shift to a much cooler, and potentially breezier, pattern. Highs for Monday and Tuesday of next week will not rise above 70 degrees (we should be around 75-76 degrees for late October). Highs will slowly rise to around normal by the middle of next week. What's causing this shift in the weather pattern is a storm originating from the Gulf of Alaska that doesn't have a lot of moisture to work with, but is packing cooler air. So, not much rain in the forecast (it's limited to widely scattered showers in the Sierra Nevada Monday and Monday night) but will drop the temperatures a bit. Monday may be a bit breezy, with northerly winds up to 25 mph from the north. It's another busy weekend full of fun events in Chico. Here is just a sampling: the Chico Independent Film Festival runs now through Sunday at 1078 Gallery; Pumpkinfest happens at the Chapmantown Farmers' Market today from 2-5pm; Les Miserables is being staged by the California Regional Theatre tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 2pm; Young Frankenstein plays at Chico Theater Company tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 2pm; Autumn Fest continues at the Patrick Ranch south of town all this weekend; Exotic Erotic Party is happening at Manzanita Place tomorrow night, featuring a sexy Halloween dance party; Fall Home and Garden Show at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds from 10am-5pm today, Saturday and Sunday; Haunted Park 5K in Bidwell Park, celebrating Halloween and raising funds for the Jesse Kohen Memorial Foundation, tomorrow at 8:30am; Open Studios Tour continues this weekend, with local artists' studios open all weekend for a chance to view the artists creating their works; and the Post-Apocalyptic Ride, in which Halloween-costumed bike riders ride around downtown, tomorrow night beginning at 7:30pm at Chico's Downtown Plaza. Whew! And that's only a sampling! For more events, check out the Chico News and Review's website link on the right hand side of my blog page (you may have to scroll down a little to locate it). Have a great weekend, Chico! Here's the detailed forecast for our beloved little city from the National Weather Service: This Afternoon Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Light west southwest wind. Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Calm wind. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Light and variable wind. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 71. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 74.

perhaps a break in the streak of warm weather

Chico has now seen at least seven consecutive days of high temps at or above 80 degrees. Today's high at the airport was 82 degrees- the same as yesterday and the day before. The National Weather Service is calling for highs in the upper 70s the next four days, but I will bet we will see actual highs above 80 degrees into this weekend. By early next week, a weak storm system originating from the Gulf of Alaska will affect our area. It won't bring any rain to lower elevations, but it will significantly cool down our temperatures. The higher mountain elevations may see a slight chance of showers with this storm, but don't expect any moisture here in the valley. Highs by next week will drop into the upper 60s and lower 70s. Nice fall weather! Speaking of fall, the deciduous trees around Chico are putting on a pretty spectacular display of fall foliage (well, spectacular for our area of the country). Hopefully this upcoming cool spell will further encourage this display. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Clear, with a low around 44. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 79. Light and variable wind. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Light and variable wind. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Light and variable wind. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Calm wind becoming east northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.

warm and dry streak continues

Yesterday's high temperature in Chico, for the second day in a row, was 85 degrees. The normal high temperature for October 20th is 78 degrees. The morning lows have been chilly, with temps dipping down into the mid 40s. That's actually normal for this time of year. As the nights become longer, the temperatures are allowed more time to drop. Currently the sun rises at around 7:15 am and sets around 6:14 pm. A slight cool down is expected later this week, dropping temperatures slightly into the upper 70s by Wednesday. Again, no rain is in the forecast for the next week or so. We're going to need some big storms this winter to catch up on our precipitation deficit. Area reservoirs are way below normal for this time of year. Hopefully that will happen, but not right now. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 85. North northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Light and variable wind becoming northeast 5 to 7 mph after midnight. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 82. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 79. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.

a chance of rain in the forecast? maybe not

Looks like that chance for rain by the end of next week is not going to happen, as most of the weather computer models are in agreement this time. It would be nice to get some rain, but we'll get warm and dry weather the next seven days instead. It was very warm in Chico today, with an afternoon high of 85 degrees at the Chico State University Farm on the south side of town. The Chico Municipal Airport, on the north side of town, recorded a cooler high temp of 82 degrees. Temperatures will moderate into next week, as highs trend downward from the lower 80s into the mid 70s. Overnight lows will stay in the mid 40s. Chilly, but pretty average for this time of year. Here's Chico's updated seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Clear, with a low around 45. Light and variable wind. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 45. Light and variable wind becoming east around 5 mph. Monday Sunny, with a high near 81. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 44. East northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 79. Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 45. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 77. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 75. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.

above average temps through this weekend

It is currently 82 degrees in Chico, continuing a warm streak of weather we have experienced the past five days. We should be around 78 degrees for the high in mid-October. Dry, sunny, and warm weather will be the rule through the early part of next week. By the middle of next week, temps should start to moderate ahead of a storm system that could potentially alter our weather pattern. Fingers crossed, but Northern California may finally get some much-needed rain by next Friday. Currently not all of the computer models are in agreement over this possibility, so the National Weather Service has put in their forecast for next Friday a "slight chance of rain." Keep checking back for updates. Artoberfest continues this weekend, with a number of artist studios conducting open tours in which you can view artists do their thing. For more info and specific studios that are conducting these tours, please check the Artoberfest link to the right. Otherwise, have a wonderful weekend, and enjoy the fall colors! Here's the seven day forecast for Chico from the NWS: Tonight Clear, with a low around 45. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 81. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind becoming east northeast around 5 mph. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 80. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming west northwest in the morning. Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 47. Light and variable wind becoming east northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Monday Sunny, with a high near 80. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 78. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 77. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 75. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Friday A slight chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.

layer weather

It reached 81 degrees in Chico yesterday afternoon, after a chilly morning low of 45 degrees. I call this "layer weather," as in you have to wear layers during the day- coat or jacket in the morning as you head off to work, and ending up with short sleeves by the time you leave work to return home. This "layer weather" will continue for the next several days, with highs near 80 and lows in the 40s. High pressure is large and in charge, so don't expect any rain for awhile. But, if you're a fan of sunny and mild October weather, well, get ready to be giddy! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 77. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the morning. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 45. South southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 47. North northeast wind around 6 mph. Friday Sunny, with a high near 79. North northeast wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the morning. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 78. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 78. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Monday Sunny, with a high near 77. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 76.

warmer this week

Ah yes, another work week staring us in the face. At least the weather will be nice so we can cope with the work stress. It's going to be warmer than previously thought, as this ridge of high pressure strengthens over us. Sinking air and light winds, along with a relatively high sun angle, will allow temps to warm into the upper 70s to lower 80s this week. We should be around 80 degrees for our average high this time of year, so this is not unusual. Overnight lows will be generally in the upper 40s. No rain is in the forecast as we head into what is typically the start of our rainy season. Have a great week! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Columbus Day Sunny, with a high near 78. North northeast wind around 8 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Tonight Clear, with a low around 49. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 80. North wind 6 to 9 mph. Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 49. Northeast wind around 8 mph. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 77. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the morning. Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 49. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 78. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Friday Sunny, with a high near 79. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 78. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 76.

continued sunny and mild

The gorgeous fall weather keeps on rollin'. I can pretty much sum up the forecast for the next seven days in one sentence: sunny days and clear nights, with highs in the lower to middle 70s and lows in the upper 40s. There, now you're updated. It's another hopping weekend in Chico, as many events are scheduled. Here's a brief rundown of a few select happenings: Autumnfest at the Patrick Ranch, featuring artwork on display, hay rides, farm animals and a pumpkin patch; Harvest Sidewalk Sale in downtown Chico, "showcasing inventory and bargains from your favorite downtown businesses" (Chico News and Review); Parade of Lights, happening tonight in downtown Chico, which, as its name suggests, is a parade featuring cool light spectacles and this year's theme of "Dancin' Through the Decades;" the Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport Weekend, in which wineries and farms all over Butte County throw open their doors to the public for tours and tastings; the 1078 Fest, occurring tomorrow, which is a fund raiser for the art gallery to purchase a new PA system, and features food and live music at the popular art gallery; and the Monster Dash, a 5k fun-run and fall festival event featuring costumes, face painting, and carnival games, taking place at One Mile in Bidwell Park tomorrow. Also, Artoberfest and Chico Experience Week happenings continue this weekend. There are other events happening all this weekend; to find a complete list, check out the 2013 Best of Chico edition of the Chico News and Review, with a link on the right side of my home page. Chico is a busy little town! Oh, and there are fall colors that are beginning to emerge in Chico right now, so get out your camera and take some gorgeous pics of the foliage! Here's the official seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 46. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming north in the evening. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 7 to 9 mph. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. North northeast wind around 8 mph. Columbus Day Sunny, with a high near 76. North wind around 8 mph. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 77. Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 46. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 77. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 77. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Friday Sunny, with a high near 76.

breezy and cooler

The past few days in Chico have seen highs in the low to mid 80s with a mix of sun and clouds. It will be cooler and breezy today and tomorrow, as a weak cold front moves through the area. This cold front will bring a few inches of snow to the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada, but no rain to our area. Expect mostly sunny skies today, along with north winds to around 20 mph and plenty of sunshine. Highs today will only be in the lower to mid 70s. Our average high this time of year is 83 degrees, but we won't be anywhere near that the next seven days. Mild autumn weather will be the rule, with sunshine and highs in the mid 70s through early next week. Overnight lows will be in the upper 40s. That will encourage the trees in Chico to advance their fall colors! I'm going to need to start taking pics of the fall foliage as peak color may happen by the end of the month- about two weeks earlier than usual. Enjoy this stretch of fall weather! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Northwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph becoming light west northwest after midnight. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 73. North northeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. East wind 5 to 7 mph. Friday Sunny, with a high near 74. Light and variable wind. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 75. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 75. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Columbus Day Sunny, with a high near 76. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 76.

nice autumn weather

It was a beautiful, warm first weekend of October here in Chico, with yesterday's high temperature of 85 degrees (our average high this time of year) and 83 degrees today. This morning's low was a chilly 45 degrees (we should be around 50 for early October). Looking ahead over the next several days, it will begin cooling down, with highs dropping from the upper 70s tomorrow to the lower 70s by Wednesday and Thursday. A weak trough of low pressure will be skirting our area, bringing just a slight chance of a shower midweek, and a dusting to a few inches of snow for the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada. By the end of the week, highs will warm into the mid 70s, but that is still well below normal for early October. Overnight lows the next seven days will range from the upper 40s to lower 50s. Perfect fall weather! Here is Chico's extended forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 52. South southeast wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Monday Sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming south southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Calm wind becoming north 5 to 8 mph in the evening. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. South wind 7 to 10 mph becoming north northwest in the morning. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. North wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Wednesday A 20 percent chance of showers before 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 71. Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 48. Friday Sunny, with a high near 74. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 74. Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 51. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 76.

OMG! I love this time of year!

Sorry, I couldn't contain my excitement. Other than the breezy conditions, the past two days have been simply gorgeous here in Northern California, with sunshine and temperatures ranging from the mid 70s to lower 80s. Combined with the very dry air and low humidity levels, it has been pleasant. Expect more of the same kind of weather, with diminishing winds by tomorrow evening. A Wind Advisory is still in effect until 5 pm tomorrow, and a Red Flag Warning for high fire danger (due to the winds and low humidity) is in effect until Saturday morning. Other than that, look for pleasant weather- sunshine and highs in the mid 70s to lower 80s. Overnight lows will be in the lower to mid 50s. Some of the deciduous trees in Chico are already beginning to show off some of their fall colors, about three weeks early. This weather is encouraging that, so the fall colors will only become more numerous over time. I'm sure the fall foliage in the Sierra Nevada mountains is already nearing peak color. Normal peak color in the mountains is usually mid to late October. This weekend may be a perfect opportunity to capture that color in photographs. Another reason I love this time of year is the busy calendar- everything from art festivals to corn mazes and hayrides are in abundance right now in the Chico area. A brief listing of some events this first weekend of October: The Corn Maze in nearby Orland, Artoberfest (happening all month at various locations in Chico and surrounding locations), the Focus Film Festival (a festival celebrating diversity in film, with opening night tonight at Sierra Nevada Brewery, then moving to the Chico State campus this weekend), Sierra Nevada Brewery's Oktoberfest this Friday and Saturday, and the big event this weekend- the National Yo-Yo Contest at Downtown Plaza, in which hundreds of competitors from across the country and around the world compete for world yo-yo dominance. It is an action-packed and fun weekend, and the weather will be beautiful. Get out and enjoy what Chico has to offer! Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Clear, with a low around 50. North wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Friday Sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Friday Night Clear, with a low around 50. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 81. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 52. West northwest wind around 6 mph becoming east northeast in the evening. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 81. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Monday Sunny, with a high near 79. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 73. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 75. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 75.

windy weather

It must be October- a very turbulent and changeable month. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THURSDAY TO 5 PM PDT FRIDAY. * WINDS: NORTH 15 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH. * TIMING: WINDS INCREASING BY DAWN THURSDAY MORNING AND PEAK LATE THURSDAY THROUGH MID DAY FRIDAY. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: SACRAMENTO...VACAVILLE...CHICO...REDDING. * IMPACTS: DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. UNSECURED OBJECTS MAY BLOW AROUND. DOWNED BRANCHES COULD CAUSE LOCAL POWER OUTAGES. And, despite the recent rain, it is still dry out there. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG WARNING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM THURSDAY TO 7 AM PDT SATURDAY. THE FIRE WEATHER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. * AFFECTED AREA...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 216 CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY IN GLENN, COLUSA, YUBA, NORTHERN SUTTER, AND BUTTE COUNTY BELOW 1000 FT...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 217 SOUTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY IN YOLO-SACRAMENTO FAR WESTERN PLACER, SOUTHERN SUTTER AND SOLANO COUNTY BELOW 1000 FT...FIRE WEATHER ZONE 218 CARQUINEZ STRAIT AND DELTA AND FIRE WEATHER ZONE 264 LAKE COUNTY PORTION OF LAKE-NAPA- SONOMA UNIT. * WINDS...NORTH 15 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AS LOW AS 10 PERCENT DURING THE DAY AND AREAS OF 20 TO 30 PERCENT OVERNIGHT. * TIMING...THE STRONGEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTO FRIDAY MORNING. * IMPACTS...BREEZY AND GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES ALONG WITH DRY FUELS WILL CREATE CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS WHERE ANY NEW IGNITIONS COULD SEE RAPID FIRE GROWTH. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS...LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...AND WARM TEMPERATURES CAN CONTRIBUTE TO EXTREME FIRE BEHAVIOR.

nice weather for awhile

Welcome to October! It was blustery in Chico the past couple of days, but the Wind Advisory was not warranted. The highest gust occurred Sunday afternoon, with a speed of 35 mph from the south at the Chico Airport. No accumulation of precipitation, either, as the rain stayed far to our north over Trinity and Siskiyou Counties. Today should be sunny after the morning overcast burns off, with highs only in the lower 70s. Highs will remain in the 70s tomorrow and Thursday, as well. A bit of a warm-up occurs late in the week, with highs in the lower to mid 80s Friday through Sunday. Highs will drop back into the 70s for early next week. Sunshine will be the dominant feature in the forecast this week, as no rain is expected the next seven days. All in all, a nice fall forecast. Here's Chico's seven day outlook from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 72. Southeast wind 3 to 7 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 51. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 76. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 49. North wind 7 to 10 mph. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 73. Northwest wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 50. Friday Sunny, with a high near 80. Friday Night Clear, with a low around 52. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 81. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 82. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. Monday Sunny, with a high near 79.

Wind Advisory in effect for this afternoon and evening

Another Bad Hair Day Alert: THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO MIDNIGHT PDT TONIGHT FOR THE NORTHERN AND CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY AND ADJACENT SIERRA FOOTHILLS. * WINDS: SOUTH 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH AT TIMES. * TIMING: WINDS WILL BE INCREASING THROUGH THE DAY AND ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN REACHING ADVISORY SPEEDS AFTER 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON. THE WINDS ARE LIKELY TO BE STRONGEST DURING THE EVENING HOURS. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: CHICO...REDDING...PARADISE. * IMPACTS: BLOWING DEBRIS MAY MAKE ROAD TRAVEL HAZARDOUS. STEERING COULD BECOME DIFFICULT ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES.

rain increasingly likely

There is more confidence based on computer forecast models that we here in the Northstate will be affected by this storm that is currently bringing heavy rain and wind to parts of the Pacific Northwest. Today should be sunny all day, but clouds will increase overnight tonight and showers may begin as soon as tomorrow afternoon. Winds will also increase, gusting 25-30 mph tomorrow afternoon and evening. Remnants of tropical typhoon Pabuk have been caught up in a powerful jet stream. Those remnants have been carried across the vast Pacific Ocean from the coast of Japan. These remnants of Pabuk are the reason for the winds and rain. I am continually fascinated by weather. It's amazing that a storm that affected an area thousands of miles away can end up impacting our weather here. Anyway, prepare for some wet and breezy weather the next 36-48 hours. The rest of the seven day forecast looks sunny and mild, with highs ranging from the low 70s Monday to the low 80s by next Friday. Here's the specific forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Light east wind becoming south southeast 8 to 13 mph in the afternoon. Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Southeast wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Sunday A slight chance of rain before noon, then a chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Southeast wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Sunday Night Showers likely before midnight, then a chance of rain after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 59. South southeast wind around 17 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. Monday A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. South southeast wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 74. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 77. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 52. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 78. Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 54. Friday Sunny, with a high near 81.