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.