final post

Well, this is it. I have decided to end my weather blog after eight years. It was back in the middle of July, 2006 that I started this blog on the website Weather Underground. It was fun and challenging to keep up with this blog, as it was purely a hobby for me. Other life priorities got in the way or were more important, necessitating the need for me to wrap this up. I want to thank those of you who read my blog and I appreciate your support. I started this blog when Chico was in the middle of a heat wave, and I will end it during another heat wave. Farewell, and one last time: Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Tonight Clear, with a low around 72. South wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 104. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. East southeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Tuesday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Wednesday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Thursday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Friday Sunny, with a high near 95. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 96.

sunny and warm

I haven't been posting on my weather blog for awhile, mainly due to a combination of having shoulder surgery done and apathy towards my blog. It was getting old after awhile, and I needed to take a break. I contemplated simply ending the blog after nearly eight years (I started this blog on Weather Underground back in July of 2006), but reconsidered and will continue for awhile longer. Anyway, after a warm week this past week, with temps hovering in the low to mid 90s, yesterday was the start of a temporary mild trend, with highs in the 70s to around 80 degrees this weekend. Today should be gorgeous, with sunshine, lighter winds (yesterday was breezy, with winds from the south gusting to 25 mph), and highs in the mid 70s. Tomorrow a weak cold front slides through, with a 20% shot at a shower and highs in the upper 60s. That's well below normal (normal high for early May is 78, while the normal low is 50). If you are a fan of warm weather, don't fret, as highs will warm back into the low and mid 80s for the middle and latter part of this upcoming week. Here are the details from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. South wind around 10 mph. Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Southeast wind 7 to 10 mph. Monday A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 69. South southeast wind around 9 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. West southwest wind around 6 mph becoming north in the evening. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 75. North northeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west northwest in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 80. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

more rain on the way

Chico's getting a slight break from the weather today after last night's storminess. Chico and Butte County were under two separate Tornado Warnings last evening as a slow-moving thunderstorm moved to the north and east of downtown. There was also plenty of heavy rain, thunder and lightning with this isolated storm. No actual tornadoes touched down, thank goodness. Today we're experiencing partly sunny and dry conditions, with temperatures in the mid 50s. It's been much cooler than normal with these storms, as we should be around 70 degrees this time of year. An even colder storm from the Gulf of Alaska will dive southeastward into Northern California tomorrow, bringing more rain, wind, thunderstorms, and mountain snow. Due to the colder nature of this next storm, snow may fall as low as 2000 feet in elevation. Expect a foot or more of snow above 3000 feet in the Sierra Nevada between Monday and Wednesday. Winter Storm Watches have already been posted for the Sierra, but those will change to warnings by tonight, I'm sure. In the valley, including Chico, up to an inch of rain may fall between Monday and early Wednesday, and thunderstorms are again possible, especially on Tuesday. Winds may gust from the southeast up to 30 mph in the valley, and 45 mph from the southwest in the mountains. We'll get a brief break on Wednesday with sunshine, but another storm arrives on Thursday. Hopefully we'll get a dry weekend next weekend. For now, get ready for more storminess. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: This Afternoon A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. South southeast wind around 7 mph. Tonight A 20 percent chance of rain after 11pm. Increasing clouds, with a low around 43. East wind 5 to 7 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Monday Rain likely, mainly after 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 55. Southeast wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Monday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11pm, then showers likely. Low around 42. Southeast wind 10 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tuesday Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. Southeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Thursday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Thursday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Friday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Friday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Saturday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 69. ***UPDATE*** There was a confirmed touchdown of a tornado Saturday evening in Butte County. It was an EF0 tornado and briefly touched down, causing minor damage to an orchard. This is the seventh confirmed tornado touchdown in California this year, according to the National Weather Service.

Tornado Warning

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A * TORNADO WARNING FOR... WEST CENTRAL BUTTE COUNTY IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA... EXTREME NORTHEASTERN GLENN COUNTY IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA... SOUTH CENTRAL TEHAMA COUNTY IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA... * UNTIL 830 PM PDT * AT 742 PM PDT...A TRAINED WEATHER SPOTTER REPORTED A FUNNEL CLOUD NEAR NORD...OR 10 MILES NORTHWEST OF CHICO...MOVING EAST AT 10 MPH. THE STORM MAY PRODUCE HAIL AS WELL. * THE POSSIBLE TORNADO WILL BE OVER... RURAL WESTERN BUTTE COUNTY NORTHWEST OF CHICO

Wind Advisory in effect until tomorrow morning

From the National Weather Service office in Sacramento: WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT SATURDAY... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PDT SATURDAY FOR THE NORTHERN AND CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY. * WINDS: STRONGEST SOUTH WINDS SUSTAINED AT 25 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH. * TIMING: STRONGEST WINDS THROUGH MIDNIGHT IN THE NORTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY. WINDS INCREASING IN THE CENTRAL SACRAMENTO VALLEY THIS EVENING...AND CONTINUING INTO EARLY SATURDAY MORNING. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: REDDING....RED BLUFF...CHICO...OROVILLE AND MARYSVILLE. * IMPACTS: DIFFICULT DRIVING...LOOSE OBJECTS BLOWN AWAY.

rain likely and thunderstorms possible this weekend

Sorry I'm late in posting this, but there were numerous funnel clouds in the Northern Sacramento Valley on Wednesday, prompting Tornado Warnings to be issued in Glenn County, west of Chico. There were other locations in which funnel clouds were spotted on Wednesday, especially the Sacramento area. Chico itself saw no funnel clouds or tornadic activity, just off-and-on rain. We are slowly catching up on our rainfall this rainy season, as Chico has seen about two inches of rain so far this week. More is on the way, with at least two storms affecting us- one tonight and tomorrow, the other Monday into Tuesday. Chico can expect up to an inch of rain between tonight and tomorrow night. Thunderstorms are also possible tomorrow as the cold front passes and the actual low pressure center moves over our area. Forecasters are not ruling out the possibility of an isolated tornado and hail with some of these storms. In the mountains, over a foot of snow is forecast above 5000 feet in elevation over the next 24-36 hours. Another storm Monday into Tuesday will bring us another round of beneficial rain. A chance of showers will linger into the middle of next week. Highs are expected to remain in the mid 50s to mid 60s through the period, which is much cooler than normal for this time of year. We should be in the upper 60s to near 70 degrees for the end of March. Some events happening in Chico this weekend: the Chico Bach Festival, celebrating the famous composer, happens through Sunday on the Chico State campus; check the school's website for specifics; Chico State Wildcats men's baseball team hosts San Francisco State at Nettleton Stadium on the Chico State campus this weekend; again, check the school's athletics website for specific times; and Jason Mraz rolls into town performing an acoustic set on Sunday evening at Laxson Auditorium. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 64. South southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tonight Rain. Low around 50. South southeast wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Saturday Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. High near 58. South southeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Saturday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 11pm, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Southeast wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. South wind 5 to 7 mph. Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Monday Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Monday Night Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Tuesday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Tuesday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Thursday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58.

rain and more rain

This is the first time in a long time there has been a chance of rain every day in the seven day forecast. First, a recap of the thunderstorm that moved over Chico last evening. This storm dropped .89 of an inch in under an hour, along with pea-sized hail and lots of thunder and lightning. It is rare in these parts for that much rain to fall in such a short time period. It was a massive thunderstorm, for sure. We may see that kind of weather again today, as the low pressure system responsible for that thunderstorm is still hovering over our area. We'll see a brief lull tomorrow and during the day Friday (although there is still the possibility of showers on those days), and then a more powerful storm will bring heavier rain Friday night and into Saturday. A chance of rain will linger well into the weekend and also into next week. Temperatures will be much cooler than they have been, with highs mainly in the upper 50s to around 60 degrees. That's nearly ten degrees below average. Overnight lows will be in the mid 40s. Here's the wet forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Today Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 57. Southeast wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Tonight Showers likely, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Southeast wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Thursday A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly before 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. South southeast wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Thursday Night A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Southeast wind around 10 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 63. Southeast wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Friday Night Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Saturday Rain. High near 61. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Saturday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Sunday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Sunday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Monday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Monday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Tuesday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 60.

update on wet weather

From the National Weather Service office in Sacramento: WET AND COOLER WEATHER TUESDAY THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK... * IMPACTS: WET ROADS WITH WINTRY TRAVEL INTO THE MOUNTAINS. PONDING OF WATER POSSIBLE ON ROADWAYS WITH THUNDERSTORMS ON WEDNESDAY. * RAINFALL AMOUNTS THROUGH THURSDAY: UP TO AROUND A HALF OF AN INCH IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY WITH UP TO AROUND 2 INCHES IN THE FOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAINS. POSSIBLE THUNDERSTORMS WEDNESDAY IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY AND FOOTHILLS. * SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS: UP TO SIX INCHES IN THE HIGHER TERRAIN OF THE COASTAL RANGE AND SHASTA COUNTY MOUNTAINS ABOVE 4500 FEET. * WINDS: SOUTHWEST WIND GUSTS TO AROUND 45 MPH OVER HIGHER MOUNTAIN TERRAIN...LOCALLY HIGHER OVER REMOTE PEAKS. * TIMING: PRECIPITATION BEGINS OVER THE COASTAL AND WESTERN SHASTA MOUNTAINS EARLY TUESDAY MORNING SPREADING OVER MOST OF INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA TUESDAY INTO TUESDAY NIGHT. PRECIPITATION TURNS SHOWERY WEDNESDAY AS COLDER AIR MOVES INTO THE REGION. HEAVIEST PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED WEDNESDAY. DECREASING THREAT OF SHOWERS ON THURSDAY...ESPECIALLY IN THE VALLEY. ADDITIONAL SYSTEMS POSSIBLE LATER IN THE WEEK.

significant weather change on the way

After a wonderful weather weekend in Chico, with highs in the mid to upper 70s and abundant sunshine, we'll get one more day of this type of weather before a major pattern change affects us. Tomorrow (Monday) will be sunny and continued warm to kick off the work and school week (Chico State students return from spring break tomorrow). By Tuesday, a cold front moves in and brings periods of rain and gusty winds. Wind speeds will range from 15-25 mph in the valley, with gusts to 45 mph on higher mountain ridgetops. Rain tapers to showers beginning Tuesday night and continuing into Wednesday. Rainfall totals by late Wednesday for the valley could be up to three quarters of an inch, while parts of the Sierra Nevada could see one to two feet of snow above 5000 feet by Thursday. Snow levels will initially be high, above 5000 feet, but will lower to 4000 feet by Wednesday after the cold front passes. A trough will set up behind the cold front, giving us periods of showers through next weekend. High temps will be a good 10-15 degrees cooler than what we have seen recently for much of this upcoming week. Here is the detailed seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Tonight Clear, with a low around 41. West wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Monday Sunny, with a high near 78. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. East southeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Tuesday Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Southeast wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tuesday Night Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 45. Southeast wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Wednesday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Wednesday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Thursday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Thursday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Friday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Friday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Saturday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Saturday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Sunday A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65.

turning wetter and cooler

Yesterday was another in a recent string of days with sunshine and warm temperatures. The high yesterday in Chico was a pleasant 75 degrees. The normal high for March 21st is 67. While we enjoy these wonderfully warm and sunny days, the drought becomes worse. We may see a little bit of relief next week as a trough of low pressure digs in, giving us cooler and showery weather. Highs in the mid 70s today, tomorrow and Monday will give way to cooler 60s for highs Tuesday through next Friday, along with a chance of showers. Right now it doesn't look like much, and we here in Chico may get a quarter to a half an inch of rain. That's not nearly enough to alleviate the intense drought, and California could see water shortages and intense wildfires this summer. But, I'm trying to maintain a positive outlook: Some climatologists and weather forecasters are hinting at a strong El Nino next winter, which could bring California out of its current drought situation. We shall see. For now, enjoy our lovely spring weather! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 74. West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 44. West northwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 75. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 45. West wind around 5 mph becoming northeast in the evening. Monday Sunny, with a high near 76. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Tuesday A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Tuesday Night Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Wednesday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Wednesday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Thursday A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Thursday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Friday A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69.

weather feeling springlike

Happy first day of Spring! Today is the Vernal Equinox, in which there are approximately the same number of hours of daylight and darkness- about 12 hours for each. Of course, many locations in the Northern Hemisphere had about the same number of hours of daylight and darkness on St. Patrick's Day, but, you know, details. Anyway, in the Southern Hemisphere, today is the day of the Autumnal Equinox, or the first day of Autumn. In the Northern Hemisphere, the number of daylight hours will grow from here on out (until June), while in the Southern Hemisphere, the number of hours of daylight will shrink. Weather-wise here in Chico, the weather has definitely been feeling like Spring, with yesterday's high temperature at 76 under sunny skies and fairly light winds. Today through Monday will be nearly carbon copies of yesterday, with slight chances of a shower Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Other than that, the drought marches on. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Light and variable wind. Friday Sunny, with a high near 73. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Light and variable wind. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 74. Light and variable wind. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 75. Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 47. Monday Sunny, with a high near 76. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Tuesday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 69. Tuesday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Wednesday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 66.

possible chance for rain next week?

Let's hope so, but I wouldn't hold my breath. It has been extremely dry this rainy season, which continues a dry streak stretching back at least three years. As we get closer to the end of the rainy season, our hopes (and chances) for rain decrease. But, if you are a fan of sunny, warm weather, this is your forecast! Sunshine and highs in the 70s will be the rule through at least next Monday, with a chance of rain for Tuesday. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind. Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Calm wind. Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Light and variable wind. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Light and variable wind. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. North wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the morning. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 74. Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 48. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Monday Night A slight chance of rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Tuesday A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 65.

nice weather for spring break

Chico State students are on spring break this week, and for those students who choose to stay in the local area, you will have beautiful weather to enjoy. This past weekend was gorgeous, with sunshine and highs in the upper 70s and lower 80s. Expect breezy to windy conditions today, as a moisture-starved cold front moves through the area. After the front passes sometime this morning, winds will shift to the northwest and become blustery, especially west of Chico. A Wind Advisory will be in effect from 11am this morning until 9pm this evening for winds between 15-30 mph and gusts to 45 mph. Breezy conditions will continue tomorrow, although not quite as strong as today. Sunshine will dominate the weather picture the next seven days, with highs generally in the lower and middle 70s. Overnight lows will be mainly in the 40s. Get out and enjoy! Here's Chico's detailed forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 69. Breezy, with a northwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph. Tonight Clear, with a low around 41. North northwest wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 71. North northwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 40. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Light and variable wind. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.

warm weekend

It has been very pleasant in Chico the past few days, with sunshine and highs in the lower and middle 70s. We should be around 65 degrees this time of year. Get ready for even warmer temperatures this weekend, as we could reach the 80 degree mark for the first time this year. A weak cold front will pass to our north on Monday, creating strong northerly winds both Monday and Tuesday. Fire danger may be elevated on those days due to the potentially windy conditions, so be prepared. Temps may cool to more seasonal levels by late next week, but there is no rain in the forecast. The Chico Home, Garden and Leisure Show is this weekend at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds; I'm sure the weather we're having is inspiring people to plant their gardens and design their outdoor living spaces. Enjoy the sunny, warm weather! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 78. North northeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable. Tonight Clear, with a low around 50. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 77. Light and variable wind becoming south southeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47. South southeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Monday Sunny, with a high near 68. Light north wind becoming northwest 11 to 16 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 70. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 71. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 68.

stretch of nice weather

Yesterday was beautiful, albeit windy and cool. The highs in the area were in the mid 70s, but the strong northwesterly winds made it feel cooler. There will be less wind today, making it feel warmer than yesterday. Highs will remain above 70 degrees through next Monday, and may even reach 80 degrees for the first time this year this weekend. There is no rain in the forecast, and long-term weather models hint at a long 8-10 day stretch of dry conditions. It may be we have seen the wettest weather already for this rainy season, and chances of more precipitation dwindle as we get closer to the end of the rainy season. Not good, as we are well over 15 inches below average for rainfall here in Chico just this rainy season (July 1, 2013- June 30, 2014). Here is the dry and very spring-like weather forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 73. North northeast wind 7 to 9 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Tonight Clear, with a low around 42. North northwest wind 7 to 9 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 71. North northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Light and variable wind. Friday Sunny, with a high near 73. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming west northwest in the morning. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 78. Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 48. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 78. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 50. Monday Sunny, with a high near 76. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 69.

Wind Advisory for tomorrow

From the National Weather Service: WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM PDT TUESDAY... * WINDS: NORTH 15 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS BETWEEN 30 TO 40 MPH. * TIMING: WINDS WILL BEGIN TO STRENGTHEN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING AND REACH ADVISORY CRITERIA AROUND 9 AM. BREEZY TO STRONG WINDS WILL CONTINUE INTO THE EVENING. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: SACRAMENTO...CHICO...REDDING...LAKEPORT. * IMPACTS: DRIVING CAN BE DIFFICULT IN BREEZY TO WINDY CONDITIONS... ESPECIALLY IF IN HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. BE AWARE THAT TREE LIMBS AND BRANCHES COULD FALL AND SECURE ANY LOOSE OBJECTS IN YOUR YARD. LOCAL POWER OUTAGES MAY BE POSSIBLE.

becoming sunny and very warm this week

Once this area of showers moves out later this morning, the sun should return and temperatures will warm up drastically. Some locations in Butte County have seen anywhere from a half an inch to well over an inch with this slow-moving storm. Most of the wet weather has now moved to the southeast of Chico. As I already stated, the sun should come out later today, with highs near 70 degrees. Temps are expected to increase as the week progresses, with lower 70s tomorrow, mid 70s Wednesday through Friday, and near 80 degrees by this weekend. It will feel more like early May than mid-March! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Showers likely before noon. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 68. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 8 to 13 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tonight Clear, with a low around 42. North northwest wind 5 to 11 mph. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 72. North wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tuesday Night Clear, with a low around 42. North wind 6 to 9 mph. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 74. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 73. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Friday Sunny, with a high near 74. Friday Night Clear, with a low around 48. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 79. Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 51. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 77.

one more rain storm

Yesterday was absolutely fabulous weather-wise, with sunshine and a warm high temperature of 71 degrees in Chico. It was also breezy, with northwest winds gusting to 25 mph. Expect a carbon copy of yesterday's weather today, but less of a northerly breeze. The weather will start to change by tomorrow, with increasingly cloudy skies and a chance for afternoon rain. Rain will become steadier by tomorrow night, and the winds will increase from the south to 20 mph. Snow levels will initially be high- above 8000 feet in the Sierra Nevada. By the time the actual front passes through our area Monday morning, snow levels will drop to pass level, with about 6 inches of snow expected there. Chico and other valley locations may see a chance of thunderstorms Monday morning, as the low pressure system behind the front moves through, allowing colder air aloft to interact with warmer air at the surface. That, of course, allows instability in the atmosphere, and that brings the chance for thunderstorms. By Tuesday, all of this wet and stormy weather will be a distant memory, as sunshine returns and with it, warmer temperatures. Highs Tuesday through the end of next week will be in the lower 70s, about five to seven degrees above normal. Here is the detailed seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. East northeast wind around 6 mph becoming south in the morning. Tonight A 10 percent chance of rain after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. East southeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight. Sunday A chance of rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 64. East southeast wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Sunday Night A chance of rain and thunderstorms, then rain likely after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 52. Southeast wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Monday Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. East wind 5 to 8 mph becoming north northwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 70. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 72. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.

another round of rain

After a brief lull yesterday, more rain comes in later this morning. Another in a parade of Pacific storms will bring rain and breezy conditions through tomorrow. Expect about a half inch of rain and south winds to 25 mph with this latest storm. A break will occur Friday and Saturday before yet another storm invades on Sunday. For now, early next week appears calm. Here's Chico's seven day outlook courtesy of the National Weather Service: Today Rain likely, mainly after 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 65. Southeast wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tonight Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 10pm. Low around 54. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 14 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Thursday A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. South wind 9 to 11 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Thursday Night A 20 percent chance of showers before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Friday Sunny, with a high near 69. East northeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Saturday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Sunday Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 63. Sunday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Monday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.

rain chances through Thursday

Chico received another half an inch of rain the past 48 hours, bringing the seasonal rainfall total to just over 9 inches. We should be at least to 22 inches by this point in the rainy season, which runs from July 1st through June 30th. Rain is likely tomorrow, and then again late Wednesday, as two more storms roll through the area. A chance of rain will linger into Thursday before drying out Friday and Saturday. A slight chance of rain returns on Sunday. High temperatures will be mainly in the 60s tomorrow through Thursday, warming into the lower 70s with the sunshine on both Friday and Saturday. Overnight lows will range from the mid 40s to mid 50s the next seven days, favoring the warmer end of that temperature range when it is expected to be cloudy and rainy. Here is the specific seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Tonight A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Southeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Monday Rain likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. South southeast wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Monday Night Rain likely, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Southeast wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers before 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Tuesday Night A 40 percent chance of rain after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. South wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Wednesday A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 65. Wednesday Night Rain. Low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Thursday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Thursday Night A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.

off and on rain

Chico has received 1.01" of rain the past 48 hours, with more on the way. Expect about another quarter to half an inch of rain today and tonight before the rain tapers off tomorrow. There will be off and on chances for rain and showers over the next seven days, but there doesn't seem to be any big storms on the horizon. That could change, so stay tuned. In the Sierra Nevada mountains, two feet of snow could fall between now and late tomorrow. If traveling to the mountains, pack a winter survival kit and carry chains. As far as temperatures, they will be mild, as the flow is from the Pacific Ocean. Highs over the next several days will be in the 50s and 60s, with overnight lows in the mid 40s. Two big events for the active, outdoorsy types are happening this weekend in Chico: the annual Bidwell Classic, a 5k run/walk taking place in Bidwell Park, begins at 8am tomorrow; and the Tour de Ed, a 20 mile bicycle ride through the orchards south of Chico, happening on Sunday morning. This event is a tribute to Ed McLaughlin, who was the head of the Chico Velo Club and an advocate for safer streets for bike riders in Chico. He passed away in 2012. Hopefully the weather will cooperate for these two outdoor events. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Rain. High near 55. South southeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tonight Showers. Low around 46. East southeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Saturday A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. East wind 3 to 6 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Light east wind. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Sunday A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Southeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Sunday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Monday A 30 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 63. Monday Night A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 46. Tuesday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Tuesday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Wednesday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Wednesday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Thursday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63.

rain chance through next week

In the past 24 hours Chico has received three quarters of an inch of rain, with temperatures stuck in the 50s and gusty southerly winds to 26 mph. Expect more of the same over the next 24 hours, as another storm brings low elevation rain, high elevation snow, and gusty winds. In burn areas, landslides are possible. If you live near one, stay alert and be careful. Showers linger into the first half of the weekend, but we get some dry time on Sunday before more showers arrive early next week. A chance of rain is possible through the middle of next week. This is very good, as we desperately need the moisture. Unfortunately, it will not be enough to affect the drought. However, we may see nearly 2 inches of rain in the valley by late Saturday, with 1-2 feet of fresh snow in the mountains. Skiers rejoice! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11am, then showers likely. High near 59. Southeast wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tonight Rain likely, mainly after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. East wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday Rain. High near 54. East northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Friday Night Showers. Low around 45. East southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Saturday A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. East wind 3 to 6 mph. Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Sunday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Monday A slight chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 62. Monday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Tuesday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Tuesday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Wednesday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.

update on the impending storms

From the National Weather Service office in Sacramento: RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE THAT HAS BROUGHT ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND DRY WEATHER THE LAST FEW DAYS WILL SHIFT TO THE EAST CHANGING THE WEATHER TO A COOLER AND WETTER PATTERN. A COUPLE OF STORMS WILL BRING PRECIPITATION TO INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY INTO THE WEEKEND. THE FIRST STORM WILL MOVE THROUGH WEDNESDAY INTO THURSDAY. THE SECOND STORM WHICH IS COOLER AND STRONGER WILL MOVE THROUGH FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY. THUNDERSTORMS WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY. SHOWERS MAY LINGER OVER THE AREA INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK. * RAINFALL TOTALS: GENERALLY 0.5 TO 0.75 INCHES IN THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY AND 0.33 TO 0.5 INCHES NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AND 0.75 TO 1.25 INCHES IN THE FOOTHILLS WEDNESDAY INTO THURSDAY. AROUND 0.5 TO 0.8 INCHES IN THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY AND NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AROUND HALF AN INCH AND FOOTHILLS 0.75 TO 1.25 INCHES FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY. * SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 5 TO 10 INCHES ALONG THE SIERRA ABOVE 6000 FT THROUGH BY FRIDAY MORNING. ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 7 TO 14 INCHES ABOVE 6000 FEET FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY. UP TO 2 INCHES POSSIBLE AROUND 5000 FEET. * SNOW LEVELS: AROUND 6000 TO 7000 FT ON WEDNESDAY DROPPING TO AROUND 5000 FT ON THURSDAY. SNOW LEVELS AROUND 5000 FT FRIDAY DROPPING TO AROUND 4000 FT BY SUNDAY MORNING. * TIMING: PRECIPITATION WILL MOVE INTO INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DURING THE DAY WEDNESDAY. THE HEAVIEST PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED WEDNESDAY EVENING INTO EARLY THURSDAY. THE NEXT STORM MOVES IN FRIDAY MORNING BRINGING MODERATE TO HEAVY PRECIPITATION AT TIMES INTO FRIDAY EVENING. PRECIPITATION WILL TAPER OFF ON SATURDAY. THUNDERSTORMS WITH LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN ARE POSSIBLE THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY. * WINDS: SOUTHEAST WINDS 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH IN THE VALLEY WEDNESDAY EVENING INTO EARLY THURSDAY AND SOUTHEAST WINDS 10 TO 20 MPH ON FRIDAY. SOUTHWEST WIND GUSTS TO AROUND 50 MPH OVER THE SIERRA RIDGES. * IMPACTS: TRAVEL DELAYS DUE TO HEAVY SNOW AND GUSTY WINDS. URBAN AND SMALL STREAM FLOODING IS POSSIBLE. BREEZY CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS.

stormy week ahead

Well, today was another beautiful day in Chico, with sunshine and a high temperature of 73 degrees. That's 10 degrees above the average for February 23rd, but not a record high (the record high for February 23rd is 75 set in 1985). It will continue to be warm and tranquil through Tuesday, with sunshine and highs around 70 degrees. By Wednesday, the first of two powerful storms will affect our area, bringing wind, rain, and high elevation snow. There will be a slight break in the storminess on Thursday, as the first storm moves out. However, a second, stronger storm invades on Friday, bringing more wind, rain, and mountain snow. Snow levels will initially be high with the first storm, generally above 5000 feet. Snow levels will lower some with the second storm, falling to around 4500 feet. Perhaps one to two feet of snow will be possible in the Sierra Nevada with these two storms , and 1 to 3 inches of rain for the valley. Stay tuned for updates. For now, here is the seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Calm wind. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Light east northeast wind. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of rain after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. East southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Wednesday Rain likely, mainly after 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 60. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Wednesday Night Rain. Low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Thursday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Thursday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Friday Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 58. Friday Night Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 45. Saturday A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 61. Saturday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Sunday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.

rain returns

Yesterday in Chico was absolutely magnificent weather-wise, with sunny skies and a high temperature of 71 degrees at the Chico State Farm. The visibility was so clear, Mt. Shasta could be seen from over 100 miles away. This gorgeous weather will continue through early next week as a powerful high pressure system resides over California. However, several strong storms will invade by the middle of next week, potentially bringing us some significant precipitation through next weekend. These storms will originate from the mild Pacific waters, so expect high snow levels- generally above 6000 feet. Chico could see 1-3 inches of rain with this series of storms, so fingers crossed that this forecast pans out. Of course, it won't end the drought, or even put a dramatic dent in the drought. Any precipitation we can get is certainly welcome, though. More details on these storms will emerge the closer we get towards the middle of next week. For now, here is what the National Weather Service is saying for Chico the next seven days: Today Sunny, with a high near 70. Light and variable wind becoming west northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Tonight Clear, with a low around 40. Light east northeast wind. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 43. South southeast wind around 6 mph becoming east northeast in the evening. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Light and variable wind becoming south southeast around 5 mph in the morning. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Tuesday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Wednesday Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 60. Wednesday Night Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Thursday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Thursday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Friday Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60.

warmer weather returns

High pressure returns, large and in charge. Today will be seasonable, with sunny skies and highs in the low 60s. It may be breezy at times, as well, with northerly winds around 15 mph. The National Weather Service states northwest winds at 5 to 11 mph, but they always tend to be conservative with their forecast wind speeds. I don't know why. High temps by tomorrow through Sunday will be at or above 70 degrees (we should be around 62 for the average high for late February) with lots of sunshine. The next shot at any precipitation may not be until late next week. We could sure use the rain, as many communities are quickly running out of water. Chico is okay for now, but the Tuscan Aquifer, a lake of groundwater that sits beneath Chico and the rest of the Sacramento Valley (and Chico's main water source), is lowering, as well, due to the drought. It's getting dire out there. But, if you love the sunshine, this forecast is for you! Here it is, from the NWS: Today Sunny, with a high near 62. Northwest wind 5 to 11 mph. Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. North wind 7 to 9 mph. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Northwest wind around 7 mph. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Friday Sunny, with a high near 72. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 72. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 70. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Monday Sunny, with a high near 68. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 67.

return to dry and warm weather

Well, we did not receive a drop of rain with this last storm- just a lot of wind. Winds gusted to over 35 mph from the southeast yesterday in Chico, with mostly cloudy skies. Other than a weak storm moving through late Tuesday into Wednesday, dry and warm weather will dominate the weather for awhile. Highs will range from the mid 60s tomorrow to the upper 60s (perhaps even 70 degrees) by next weekend. Overnight lows will be in the upper 30s to lower 40s. There is no relief from the drought, and it will continue to worsen unless we get the Pineapple Express to return. That seems highly doubtful right now. Prepare for higher food prices as this drought negatively affects agriculture. Water supplies continue to dwindle, as well, and the Sierra snowpack is less than 25% of normal. It's a dire situation, and I wouldn't be surprised if some people begin moving out of California if we don't get substantial precipitation next season. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Light and variable wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph. Washington's Birthday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph in the evening. Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Light and variable wind. Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. South southeast wind around 8 mph. Wednesday A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Friday Sunny, with a high near 68. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 68. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 68.

update on the storm arriving later today

From the National Weather Service office in Sacramento: Southerly winds will increase during the day today. Southeast winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph in the Valley and Southwest winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts to around 50 mph over Sierra ridges. Precipitation will begin in the north during the day and spread across the area this evening. Snow levels will be around 7000 ft and drop to around 5000 ft by Sunday morning. Snow accumulations are expected to be up to 6 inches over the Sierra. Travel delays are possible due to the rain, snow and gusty winds. Chain controls may be posted along the Sierra passes. Gusty winds may make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Chico could see up to a fourth of an inch of rain by tomorrow, along with gusty winds. Stay safe and dry!

wet weekend

Happy Valentine's/ Singles' Awareness Day! It looks like a wet weekend for Chico, as a strong weather system impacts the West Coast, particularly the Pacific Northwest. Residents of western Washington and Oregon will experience heavy rain and strong winds, especially Sunday. We here in Northern California won't be spared, though, as the tail end of this storm will bring us a good chance of rain for late Saturday/ early Sunday. We can expect between a quarter of an inch and a half inch of rain from this storm, while the higher elevations of the Sierra could see over a half a foot of fresh snow. It will be breezy, as well, with southerly winds 15-25 mph. Temperatures will be mild, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s and 50s. It may cool down some next week, with continued chances of rain and high temps in the lower 60s. Overnight lows next week will cool into the upper 30s to lower 40s. Have a great weekend! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 67. South southeast wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Tonight A 20 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind around 6 mph. Saturday Rain, mainly after 4pm. High near 61. South southeast wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Saturday Night Rain, mainly before 4am. Low around 45. Southeast wind 15 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Sunday A 30 percent chance of rain before 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. South southeast wind around 9 mph. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Washington's Birthday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Monday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Tuesday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Tuesday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Wednesday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Wednesday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Thursday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58.

off and on wet pattern

Expect mainly cloudy skies and slight chances of rain today through Friday, as a series of storm systems impact the Pacific Northwest and extreme Northern California (mainly Red Bluff north). We here in Chico will get the tail end of these storm systems, and should see between .20 and .40 of an inch through Friday. A colder, wetter storm will aim for us late Saturday, giving Chico a better chance for more rain. Snow levels in the mountains will probably fall, but it's too early to tell how far. I will update as I get more information. By early next week, the sun will return. Highs through the next seven days will be in the lower to mid 60s, which is normal for mid-February. Overnight lows will be mild with the cloud cover- in the 40s. Here are the specifics for Chico from the National Weather Service: Today A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Southeast wind 5 to 11 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tonight A 30 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 49. Southeast wind around 11 mph. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Thursday A 40 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 64. Southeast wind around 8 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. East southeast wind around 7 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday A 30 percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Southeast wind 10 to 13 mph. Friday Night A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Saturday A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Saturday Night Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Sunday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Washington's Birthday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Tuesday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

beneficial rain

Things are beginning to calm down in Chico after a very unsettled four days. Chico received a total of 3.77 inches between Thursday and yesterday (Sunday) at the university farm on the south side of town. Some parts of Chico actually witnessed a line of strong thunderstorms that moved through late last night, with heavy rain, lightning and thunder. This line moved into the foothills before dissipating. The Sierra Nevada received over three feet of snow above 6000 feet over the weekend, great for skiers and the state's water supply. Most of the precipitation has now moved to our south and east, so expect clearing skies today with mild temperatures. A series of weak weather systems will move through our area this week, giving us slight chances of rain Wednesday through this weekend. Mild, seasonal temperatures will be the rule, with highs in the mid 60s (the exception will be Thursday, when highs will be near 70). Hopefully this beneficial rain will bring us a nice wildflower season, which should get underway beginning this week and usually lasts through March. Table Mountain, north of Oroville, is the best place to witness the many different varieties and colors of the wildflowers. Spring is a lovely time of year here in Northern California, with the emerald green grass, blooming trees, and gorgeous wildflowers dotting the foothills. The time when this happens is normally mid-February through the early part of April. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind. Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Light northeast wind. Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Tuesday Night A 20 percent chance of rain after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. East southeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday A 30 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 63. Southeast wind 6 to 11 mph. Wednesday Night A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Thursday A 30 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 68. Thursday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Friday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Friday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Saturday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Saturday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Sunday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 62.

unsettled weather continues

Chico has received 1.88 inches of rain the past 48 hours, and more is on the way. The peak wind gust the past 36 hours has been 26 mph from the south-southeast. A Wind Advisory is in effect for the Sacramento Valley until 5pm this afternoon for winds gusting to 40 mph. The Pineapple express is in full effect currently, with rain having fallen in the valley and surrounding foothills almost nonstop for the past 24 hours. Beneficial precipitation continues to fall at this time, and more is expected through tomorrow before tapering down to showers tomorrow night. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect beginning at 4am tomorrow and continuing until 4am Monday for the Sierra Nevada above 7000 feet south of Plumas County. If traveling to Tahoe for a skiing trip, bring tire chains and a winter survival kit, just in case. Up to 18 inches of fresh snow is expected above 7000 feet over the next 24-36 hours, on top of the 2 feet already received since Thursday. The Tahoe ski resorts finally have some excellent skiing conditions. There will be a break from the rain Monday and Tuesday before another system brings more rain and snow Wednesday through Friday of next week. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: This Afternoon Rain. High near 53. Breezy, with a southeast wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tonight Rain. Low around 46. Southeast wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Sunday Rain. High near 57. South southeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Sunday Night Showers likely, mainly before 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 44. East southeast wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Monday A 20 percent chance of showers before 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming west northwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Tuesday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Wednesday A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 60. Wednesday Night A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 46. Thursday A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 62. Thursday Night A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 43. Friday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61.

Wind Advisory for today through tomorrow morning

From the National Weather Service Sacramento office: WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 11 AM PST SATURDAY... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SACRAMENTO HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 11 AM PST SATURDAY. * WINDS: SOUTHERLY WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH. * TIMING: WINDS WILL INCREASE TODAY BECOMING STRONGEST TONIGHT THROUGH MIDDAY SATURDAY. * LOCATIONS INCLUDE: SACRAMENTO...CHICO...REDDING...STOCKTON... MODESTO. * IMPACTS: POTENTIAL TREE DAMAGE...TRAVEL IMPACTS...AND POWER OUTAGES.

all aboard the Pineapple Express

We haven't seen precipitation amounts from one storm like this for awhile. Up to 3 inches of rain could fall in Chico between tomorrow and Sunday, while in the Sierra Nevada Mountains above 6000 feet, anywhere from 2-4 FEET of snow is expected! This is the kind of storm I like! The abundant moisture associated with this approaching storm is from a deep current of subtropical moisture in the South Pacific, and this powerful storm is capturing this moisture and carrying it northeastward right towards us (often referred to as the Pineapple Express). It's like aiming a fire hose right at Northern California. There may be some rises of creeks and streams, but the more likely scenario is urban flooding. Be careful if you will be out and about this weekend. If you see standing water in the street, turn around. Don't try to go through it; that's how many people stall their vehicles or get swept away by the current. Earlier today, Chico received over one third of an inch of rain, and the high temperature was a chilly 47 degrees. This next storm is warmer, and highs tomorrow through Sunday will be in the mid to upper 50s. Snow elevations will be high, generally above 5000 feet, but will initially start lower in the morning, around 2500-3000 feet. The warmer air from the Pacific will allow the snow level to climb throughout tomorrow. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Sierra above 5000 feet from tomorrow morning through Saturday evening. In the valley, rain should begin sometime tomorrow morning, and be moderate to occasionally heavy through Sunday. We will catch a break Monday and Tuesday, but another storm, not as strong as the weekend one, will affect us by next Wednesday. Here are the forecast details for Chico from the National Weather Service: Tonight Showers likely, mainly after 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 37. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday Rain. High near 52. South southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Friday Night Rain. Low around 43. Southeast wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Saturday Rain. High near 55. South southeast wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Saturday Night Rain. Low around 44. Southeast wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Sunday Showers. High near 59. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Sunday Night A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Monday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Tuesday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Wednesday A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Wednesday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Thursday A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65.

rain is coming

Yes, you read that correctly. Rain is on the way for the Sacramento Valley, with lots of snow for the mountains. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect beginning Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. There is the potential for 1 to 2 feet of snow above 5000 feet beginning Friday afternoon. Travel is expected to be treacherous in the Sierra Nevada mountains, as heavy snow will make driving dangerous. Snow chains are required from Friday through Saturday on mountain roads. In the valley, rain will begin with this first storm overnight tonight and continue off and on through Friday. The second, more powerful storm, will bring heavier rain Saturday, Saturday night, and Sunday. Showers may linger in the valley through Monday as that second storm exits our region. It's too soon to say how much rain we may receive, but I anticipate anywhere from a half an inch to over an inch between tomorrow and Monday. This could be the first real significant storm this rainy season. I know, I said that with the last storm and we only got a third of an inch of rain. However, this next series of storms looks good as far as bringing us significant precipitation. We shall see if it happens. For now, here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today A 10 percent chance of showers after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. Calm wind becoming south southeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. East southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Thursday Showers likely, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Thursday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Friday Night Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Saturday Rain. High near 53. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Saturday Night Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 42. Sunday Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 56. Sunday Night Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 39. Monday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Tuesday A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.

update on the upcoming storms

It looks like we will be affected by two storms. More from the National Weather Service: LOW ELEVATION SNOW LIKELY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY THEN A WARMER AND WETTER STORM THIS WEEKEND... * IMPACTS: PERIODS OF HAZARDOUS TRAVEL, CHAIN CONTROLS, AND TRAVEL DELAYS ARE LIKELY ALONG THE MOUNTAINS DURING THESE STORMS. DEBRIS FLOWS MAY BE POSSIBLE ALONG BURN SCARS THIS WEEKEND. * FORECAST CONFIDENCE: HIGH CONFIDENCE IN IMPACTS. MEDIUM CONFIDENCE IN TIMING AND COVERAGE. LOW CONFIDENCE IN SPECIFIC RAIN AND SNOW AMOUNTS. * TIMING AND STRENGTH: THE FIRST SYSTEM WILL ARRIVE LATE WEDNESDAY AND CONTINUE INTO FRIDAY, WITH THE PRIMARY CONCERN BEING MODERATE SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OVER THE MOUNTAINS. SNOW LEVELS WILL BE IN THE 500-1500 FT RANGE ACROSS THE SHASTA COUNTY MOUNTAINS, AND 2500-3500 FT RANGE ALONG THE WEST SLOPES OF THE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA. THE SECOND SYSTEM WILL ARRIVE THIS WEEKEND AND CONTINUE INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK. MODERATE TO LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS THE VALLEY, WITH MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATIONS ABOVE 6000 FT.

rain looking likely this weekend

Right now there's a lot of ambiguity with the forecast, but rain and mountain snow are looking increasingly likely. Details regarding the timing and precipitation amounts are still being worked out. Here's a snippet about the impending precipitation from the National Weather Service office in Sacramento: LOW ELEVATION SNOW POSSIBLE THURSDAY THEN A WET STORM THIS WEEKEND... * IMPACTS: PERIODS OF HAZARDOUS TRAVEL ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS (INCLUDING FOOTHILLS) DUE TO SNOW THIS WEEKEND. * FORECAST CONFIDENCE: MEDIUM CONFIDENCE IN IMPACTS. LOW CONFIDENCE IN TIMING, AMOUNTS, AND COVERAGE. * TIMING AND STRENGTH: THE FIRST SYSTEM WILL ARRIVE THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, WITH THE PRIMARY WEATHER CONCERNS BEING LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OVER THE MOUNTAINS, AND SNOW LEVELS IN THE 1500-3000 FT RANGE. THE SECOND SYSTEM WILL ARRIVE THIS WEEKEND AND CONTINUE INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK. LIGHT TO MODERATE RAIN IS LIKELY ACROSS THE VALLEY, WITH MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATIONS POSSIBLE OVER 6000 FT.

cooler this week, with rain likely this weekend

It was cool and overcast today in Chico, with a high temperature of 54 degrees. No rain fell officially in Chico, but areas in the Coast Range and along the California coast did see some rain and snow (depending on elevation). A slow-moving low pressure system hugged the coastline all day, giving us the overcast skies. Rain, however, was confined mainly to the coast. Skies should clear out overnight tonight, dropping the temperature below freezing. It will be noticeably cooler this week, with highs only in the 50s under mainly sunny skies. Computer models seem to be in agreement that we stand a good chance of rain Saturday night and Sunday, with snow in the mountains and some foothills locations. If this forecast holds, we could see the best chance of precipitation we've seen in over a year. For the computer models to be in agreement that rain is likely six to seven days out is a positive sign. I will update my blog as changes warrant. Here is what the National Weather Service is saying for Chico the next seven days: Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. North northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. Calm wind. Monday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 28. North wind 3 to 5 mph. Tuesday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 57. North wind around 5 mph becoming west northwest in the morning. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Calm wind becoming east northeast around 5 mph in the evening. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Thursday A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. Thursday Night A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Friday Sunny, with a high near 54. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Saturday A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 53. Saturday Night Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 36. Sunday Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 54.

continued dry, but turning cooler

Yesterday's high temperature in Chico was 61 degrees under sunny skies and breezy conditions. Winds at times reached 25 mph from the northwest yesterday. Other than a slight chance of a shower tomorrow with the passage of a weak frontal system, don't expect any rain the next seven days. The drought has become so bad that the state water board is no longer allocating water from the state's reservoirs to cities and farmers who normally rely on them. These cities will be forced to rely on precious little groundwater for their water supply, and farmers will be unable to plant any new crops. The reservoirs are extremely low at this time, and the Sierra Nevada snowpack that feeds the reservoirs is only 12% of normal at this point in the wet season. It is becoming dire out there. As I mentioned in a previous post, 17 California communities will completely run out of water by this summer if we don't get any rain or snow over the next three months. I'm running out of hope that we can get enough rain this season to turn things around. Another thing, besides rain, that we won't see anytime soon are the very warm temperatures we experienced the past few weeks. Highs this upcoming week will only be in the upper 50s to lower 60s, which is more typical for early February. Overnight lows will be below freezing, which may harm some of the flowering trees that are blooming right now. This may particularly affect the non-fruit bearing pear trees, which are used for decoration along downtown Chico streets. This cold air is originating from Canada, and the front that will bring us the slight chance of rain tomorrow will also bring down the colder air. Here are the forecast details for Chico through the end of next week courtesy of the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 58. North northeast wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable. Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Light and variable wind. Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the evening. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.

the sun returns

After the National Weather Service predicted Chico could see up to nine-tenths of an inch of rain with this storm, we received- drum roll, please- three tenths of an inch (.30"). However, this is the most precipitation Chico has received since December 8, 2013. Unfortunately, it will be all we get for awhile, as high pressure returns and sticks around for the foreseeable future. Expect sunny skies after some scattered showers this morning, with highs in the upper 50s today through Saturday. Sunday through Wednesday high temps will warm into the low and middle 60s under sunny skies. Overnight lows will range from the upper 20s to low 30s. I read an article this morning stating that 17 communities in California will run out of water completely within 60-120 days due to this extreme drought. This is how serious the drought has become, and it looks like no real relief is in sight. It's going to be a long, tough summer ahead. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the NWS: Today Scattered showers, mainly before 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Calm wind. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. West northwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. North northeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 59. Calm wind. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

rain today and tomorrow, followed by another dry stretch

Rain is in the forecast today and tonight, tapering to showers by tomorrow for most of Northern California. The wind may pick up, becoming breezy at times from the south today as the front approaches. This is a very mild storm, so expect temperatures above average today. Snow levels will be above 6000 feet with this storm. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect above 6000 feet from this afternoon through 4am Friday morning; a Winter Storm Warning is in effect above 7500 feet from this afternoon through 4am Friday. Up to a foot of snow is possible above 7500 feet; up to six inches above 6000 feet. By Friday, expect dry conditions and seasonal temps, mainly in the upper 50s. Same story for Saturday, while Sunday highs will reach above 60 degrees. The dry stretch will continue into the middle of next week. Again, I'm thankful for this storm, but we'll need several storms to get us back to near normal precipitation-wise. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Rain, mainly after 11am. High near 62. Southeast wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Tonight Showers. Low around 45. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Thursday A 50 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Southeast wind 3 to 8 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Thursday Night A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Light and variable wind. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Light and variable wind. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Monday Sunny, with a high near 64. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

cooler temps this week, along with a decent shot at rain

Yesterday's high temperature at the Chico Airport was 69 degrees, just one degree shy of tying the record of 70 degrees for the date. However, at the Chico State Farm, the high was 72 degrees, breaking the record for the date by two degrees. I tend to go by the airport, as that is an official National Weather Service reporting station. Expect cooler temperatures this week, starting with today. A weak storm is making its way toward the Northstate, giving us some mid and high level cloudiness today. Cooler high temps in the mid 60s will result from the increasing cloudiness. A slight chance of rain is anticipated tonight into tomorrow. A more powerful storm will affect us beginning late Wednesday and will linger into Thursday. As much as a half an inch of rain is forecast for Chico, with over an inch in the mountains. This appears to be a mild storm, so expect higher snow levels- probably above 5000 feet. Once this storm passes, sunshine returns for Friday and into the weekend. Temperatures will be markedly cooler, with highs in the upper 50s. That is exactly where we should be for the final days of January. Hopefully more rain is in the forecast after this next storm. Here is the seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Today Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind. Tonight A 20 percent chance of rain after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Calm wind. Tuesday A 20 percent chance of rain before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Light and variable wind. Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Calm wind. Wednesday A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Southeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Wednesday Night Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Thursday A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Thursday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Friday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.

cooling off

Well, we did it again yesterday. Chico registered another high temperature record- 75 degrees at the Chico Airport, smashing the old record of 70 degrees set 30 years ago. We will probably hit another record high today, as it is forecasted to be 73 degrees. The record high for today is 70 degrees, set way back in 1934. Near record highs in the lower 70s through Wednesday will give way to cooler highs in the upper 50s by Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This intense area of high pressure, which has been dominating our weather since at least last October, is finally beginning to break down, allowing cooler and wetter weather conditions to replace it. At least that is the hope, anyway. We have at least a chance of rain and showers Thursday through next Saturday, so fingers crossed that we get some much needed precipitation. Overnight lows will range from the mid 30s to lower 40s through the forecast period. Here is the seven day forecast for Chico from the National Weather Service: Today Sunny, with a high near 73. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the morning. Tonight Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 35. Light northeast wind. Monday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. West wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Light and variable wind. Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Wednesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Wednesday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Thursday A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Thursday Night A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Friday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Friday Night A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Saturday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 59.

perhaps a slight chance of rain by next Thursday?

Perhaps. First, a review of the high temperatures the past three days in Chico and how they compare with the records for those dates. At the Chico State University Farm on Wednesday, January 22nd, the high was 71 degrees, while at the Chico Airport, the high was 68 degrees. Neither of those temperatures broke the record for that date of 75 degrees set in 1968. On Thursday, January 23rd, the high at the Chico State Farm was 77 degrees, and at the Chico Airport, it was 75 degrees; the record high for that date is 75, last set in 1948. The Chico State Farm temperature broke that record, while the high at the airport tied it. Finally, yesterday, January 24th, the high at the farm was 77 degrees; at the airport, it was 73 degrees. The record for that date is 74, set in 1948. The farm's high temp broke the record, while the airport's high was one degree shy of the record. Expect more near record warmth this weekend, with highs both today and tomorrow in the mid 70s. We should be around 57 degrees for the high in late January; this weekend's forecast highs will be running twenty degrees above the average. The record high for January 25th is 70 degrees, set in 1984; the record high for January 26th is also 70 degrees, last set in 1934. Both of those records should be easily broken this weekend. Temperatures will continue to be in the mid 70s through the middle of next week. However, a change in the warm and dry weather pattern is anticipated, as this sprawling high pressure that's been residing in the eastern Pacific Ocean finally begins to break down. The forecast high temperature for Thursday is 70 degrees, while Friday's high is only expected to be in the lower 60s. There is an increasing chance of showers by Thursday, and this chance lingers into next Friday. Right now the forecast states only a slight chance, but we need any chance of rain we can get at this point. So, expect continued warm and dry weather for the short term, but cooler and slightly wetter weather for the long term. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North northeast wind around 6 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Light northeast wind. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 73. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Light east northeast wind. Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Thursday A slight chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Thursday Night A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Friday A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

record warmth continues

The high temperature records continue to fall by the wayside. Yesterday's high temperature at the Chico Airport was 72 degrees, breaking the record of 70 degrees set back in 1991. Today's record high of 75 degrees set in 1968 may be in jeopardy, as the high is expected to be in the low to mid 70s. This weather pattern is truly unprecedented, as we have had no significant precipitation since December 7, 2013, and temperature records are being broken almost daily. And, there is no change in this pattern for at least the next seven to ten days. What's even more unbelievable is that some of the trees in Chico are beginning to leaf out- in January! The Sierra Nevada has only 20% of its normal snowpack for this time of year, with even the highest elevations seeing bare ground instead of feet of snow. In addition, fire danger is extremely high, and strong northeast winds are predicted for tomorrow through Saturday for parts of the Sierra and Coast Range mountains. Oy! Hopefully this pattern is a freak, isolated event, and not a harbinger of what's to come as far as climate change. Here is Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 72. North northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 33. North wind 6 to 9 mph. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 70. North northeast wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Northeast wind around 11 mph. Friday Sunny, with a high near 67. East northeast wind around 8 mph. Friday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 33. Saturday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 69. Saturday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 33. Sunday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 73. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Monday Sunny, with a high near 72. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.

more record warmth on tap

There were no temperature records broken yesterday in Chico, but the high temperature of 70 degrees at the airport was 15 degrees above the average for the date. Look for more record warmth over the next several days, as highs in the low to mid 70s threaten to break records. Overnight lows will be wintry- in the lower to middle 30s. That's actually below the average of 36 degrees for this time of year. So, we will be below normal for overnight lows, but well above average for highs. Again, no rain is in the forecast. I really wish there was. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 71. Light and variable wind. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 74. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34. North wind 9 to 11 mph. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 70. Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Friday Sunny, with a high near 69. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 69. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 72. Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 34. Monday Sunny, with a high near 70.

no relief from the drought

Another temperature record was broken today, when the old record of 70 degrees set in 1971 on this date was surpassed by today's high of 71 degrees. More high temperature records may be in jeopardy this week, as stubborn high pressure continues to provide us with dry conditions and above average temps. Don't expect relief from this drought anytime soon, as no rain is in the forecast for the rest of this month. Governor Jerry Brown issued a drought emergency on Friday, potentially allowing federal aid to help California weather this nasty drought. It is not looking good that we can catch up to normal precipitation levels at this late point in the rainy season, which normally ends in April. I'd be happy with any precipitation we can get. For now, expect very spring-like temps and sunny skies to persist. Some flowering fruit trees, such as pear and cherry, are beginning to bloom in Chico- over a month earlier than usual. Not good, especially if we get a widespread freeze outbreak soon. Right now, overnight lows are hovering right around freezing, but if these trees completely bloom out before we get a strong and persistent cold spell, this could potentially damage these trees. It's just an all around bad situation we're in right now, with no end in sight. Here is Chico's seven day weather forecast from the National Weather Service: Tonight Areas of frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 31. Northeast wind 3 to 7 mph. M.L.King Day Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Monday Night Areas of frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 31. North northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Tuesday Areas of frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm in the morning. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Light northeast wind. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 70. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Friday Sunny, with a high near 69. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 67. Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 32. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 69.

breaking records all over the place

Wow! This warmth is unprecedented! On Wednesday, the high temperature at the Chico Airport was 79 degrees, shattering the old record of 70 set in 2009. Yesterday's high of 77 degrees at the airport also broke the old record of 75 for the date set also in 2009. And, if we get no precipitation for the rest of the month (which, according to the National Weather Service, is looking increasingly likely), January 2014 will be the driest January ever for Chico. January is normally Chico's wettest month. This will also be the fourth January in a row that we've seen below normal precipitation for the month. Just setting records all over the place, and not good records, either. Temperatures should cool off some over the next several days, but they will still be well above the average of 55 degrees. With this very dry air mass in place, the temperature diurnal (the difference between the daytime high and overnight low temperature) will be astounding- as much as a 40 degree difference from the time you wake up until the time you get off work. In addition, the tinder dry conditions are adding fuel (so to speak) to the high fire danger all over California. Fires are burning in Southern California, and the Northstate is also under extreme fire conditions. Please do not toss your lit cigarette butt out of your car window; it may easily start a fire that could grow quickly. So, be careful out there, enjoy the spring weather in January, and pray for rain. Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the NWS: Today Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 70. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the morning. Tonight Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 32. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Saturday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 71. Light north wind. Saturday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 32. Light and variable wind. Sunday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 68. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the morning. Sunday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 32. M.L.King Day Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 68. Monday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 32. Tuesday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 70. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.

feels like April

Is it January or April? It was hard to tell yesterday, as the high temperature in Chico soared into the mid 70s. The record high for January 14th is 77 degrees set way back in 1920; the high temp at the airport was 75 degrees, but at the University Farm it reached 77- thus, tying the 94 year old record. This record warmth and extended dryness will continue the next few days, although it is expected to cool into the 60s for highs by this weekend. We desperately need some precipitation, but it just won't happen. This is due to a high pressure system that is sprawling over the eastern Pacific, causing any storms that would normally affect us this time of year to be shunted to our north. This high pressure shows no signs of moving anytime soon, so we will have to live with no rain or snow for a long while. Meanwhile, the area reservoirs continue to sink to new lows. Time to panic? Maybe not yet, but if we don't get any precipitation between now and March, the state government may have to issue a drought emergency declaration. Let's hope the weather pattern changes soon. For now, here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming north around 6 mph in the afternoon. Tonight Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 31. North wind 3 to 5 mph. Thursday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Thursday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 33. North northeast wind around 6 mph. Friday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 68. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning. Friday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 32. Saturday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 67. Saturday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Sunday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Sunday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 32. M.L.King Day Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 65. Monday Night Patchy fog after 4am. Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 33. Tuesday Patchy fog before 10am. Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 66.

warming up

It's back to the warm temperatures and sunny conditions for the next several days as high pressure re-exerts its presence over Northern California. Temperatures will hover near record territory this week, with low 70s not out of the question for tomorrow and Wednesday. Highs by the end of the week will drop back into the mid 60s, but that is still 8-10 degrees above the average (which is 55 degrees for mid-January, BTW). So, look for chilly, frosty mornings and mild, sunny afternoons through this coming weekend. Here are the specifics for Chico the next seven days from the National Weather Service: Today Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 67. North northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Tonight Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 33. North wind 3 to 5 mph. Tuesday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 71. North northwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Tuesday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 32. North wind 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 70. Light north wind. Wednesday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 32. Thursday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 67. Thursday Night Patchy frost after 4am. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 32. Friday Patchy frost before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 66. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.