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.