wet weather has passed; now on to sunny and mild weather

Chico picked up .29" of rain yesterday, with a high temperature of 54 degrees. There were a few thunderstorms around the area, as well, mainly west of Chico. Snow levels briefly dropped to below 2000 feet as cold air poured in behind the storm late yesterday. This morning's lows in the valley have dipped into the low to mid 30s. Skies should clear later today, with highs only in the mid 50s. It will also be breezy today as the front has passed, causing northerly winds to gust to 25 mph at times. Warm weather lovers, don't fret, because highs will warm into the 60s by Sunday and last through the end of next week. Overnight lows under clear skies will range from the lower to middle 30s. For a comparison, average lows this time of year are around 36 degrees, while the average high is 60 degrees. So, not too far off the mark. If you're a bicycle enthusiast, the weather for the Rice Valley Tandem Rally should be very nice, with a chilly start followed by a mild finish. The weather will be dry for the race, so no need to worry about rain gear. Of course, it's no secret to most people that Chico is crazy about bicycles; in 1997 it was awarded the #1 Best Bike Town honor by Bicycling Magazine. The topography is friendly to bike riding, as it is mostly flat across the city. For those who want a more challenging ride, the foothills are just to the east of town, and I often pass many bicyclists struggling to climb the hill on Highway 32. So, get out and ride your bike this weekend! Here's Chico's seven day forecast from the National Weather Service: Today A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 31. North northwest wind 7 to 10 mph. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 7 mph. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 60. North wind 3 to 6 mph. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Monday Sunny, with a high near 61. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 62. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 64. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Thursday Sunny, with a high near 62.