Precipitation across interior NorCal begins to taper off today. Periods of rain and moderate to heavy mountain snow are expected through this morning, with lingering showers until early Wednesday morning. Dry conditions for Thanksgiving and the holiday weekend.
Discussion
Light showers continue across the Sierra this morning, with potential for light showers in the foothills and southern Sacramento and northern San Joaquin Valleys later this morning as well. Otherwise, precipitation will begin to taper off this afternoon, leaving only lingering showers over the Sierra and foothills through early Wednesday morning.
Our Winter Storm Warning will remain in effect through 4am Wednesday for elevations above 5500 ft on the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and in western Plumas County/Lassen Park to capture any lingering snowfall and related impacts. The NBM currently has probabilities of another 4 inches or more of snow at 50 to 85% above 5500 ft over the next 24 hours, primarily south of HWY 50 (10 to 30% north of HWY 50). There is an additional 20 to 60% probability of rainfall accumulations of 0.25 inches or more in the foothills and mountains below snow level. There is also a 10 to 30% probability of 0.25 inches or more in the northern San Joaquin Valley as well.
As ridging builds in later on Wednesday, conditions will dry out, leaving us with only some breezy north to northeast winds overnight on Wednesday and into Thursday. These winds will keep temperatures in the Valley from getting too cold on Thursday morning, which in the NBM are forecast to have a 20 to 70% probability of reaching 36 degrees or less (highest chances east of I-5).
Still, overnight lows will be quite cold, and could impact pets, plants, and those without adequate heating.
Otherwise, with chances for precipitation on Friday all but disappearing with this latest forecast, the holiday weekend looks to be dry and calm with near normal temperatures.
Extended Discussion (Saturday through Tuesday)
Ridging is expected to continue into the weekend and further into next week. Generally dry conditions with light to breezy winds and near normal to normal temperatures are expected through mid next week.