| A series of winter storms will continue to affect the area through the end of the week with snow, changing to rain late tomorrow and Thursday as we tap into an atmospheric river event. We have 3 disturbances rolling through the area today, one this morning which did bring an inch or two of snow to many areas with a second and third impulse moving through this afternoon into tonight with snow showers continuing. Expect scattered snow showers to persist this afternoon, increasing again this evening through tonight as our next low rolls through, the snow level may drop off to around 5,000 feet with several inches of new snow possible, lows in the upper 20's. We may get into a little bit of a break through Wednesday morning ahead of our last and strongest storm in this series moves in during the afternoon. Showers will once again increase Wednesday afternoon, becoming heavy at times Wednesday night into Thursday as the Pacific firehose get directed into central and southern California. Unfortunately with the warmer moisture coming in off the Pacific, the snow level will climb to above 8,000 feet with snowfall accumulations reserved to the highest peaks. Winds with be very strong and gusty Wednesday into Thursday as this plume of moisture is backed by a strong jet, expect southwest winds 20-30mph with gusts near 50mph possible. Temperatures will remain in the upper 30's to lower 40's with rainfall amounts of 1-3" possible, with upwards of 3-6" likely on the lower coastal slopes. The rain should come to an end late Thursday with dry and warmer weather returning Friday through the weekend!
If you have travel plans into the mountains this week, be prepared, carry extra food, water, warm clothing and always carry tire chains as weather conditions can and will change rapidly! |
