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.