February 23, 2018 – Below normal temperatures will continue. Snow showers possible over the mountains Saturday with additional systems next week bringing more widespread precipitation.
Discussion
System that brought low elevation snow and showers to the valley yesterday has pushed out of the area this morning. As skies clear, temperatures dropping into the upper 20s to mid 30s across the valley with teens and single digits in the mountains. Dry weather is expected today but breezy northerly winds will develop in system’s wake. Gusts of 15 to 30 mph possible across the valley with higher gusts in the mountains. Another chilly overnight into Saturday morning with frost on tap as valley temperatures drop near or just below the freezing mark.
Another system will drop southeast in northerly flow, moving into NorCal on Saturday. This wave looks weaker and drier than Thursday’s system with showers likely confined to the mountains, north of the Highway 50 corridor. While snow levels remain quite low, there’s not much moisture to work with so expecting accumulations less than an inch or two. Still may be enough to cause some slick roads. For the rest of the area, expect increased cloud cover. Could see a brief period of breezy southerly winds, mainly across northern Sacramento Valley and across higher terrain.
Sunday looks dry across the area before next system quickly drops southeast into the area for Monday. Models in decent agreement, bringing precipitation and another round of breezy winds to the area during the day. This wave looks similar in strength and amounts to Thursday’s storm, though perhaps may bring a little more widespread rain to the valley (regardless, still not very much). Snow levels will be around the 2000-3000 feet range with another half foot of snow at pass levels and a dusting down into the foothills. Those with travel plans should keep an eye on the forecast as chain controls and delays will be possible.
Extended discussion (Tuesday through Friday)
Models continue to show gradual retrogression of the large-scale trough next week, but lots of differences continue in the details. Mainly dry weather expected Tuesday and Wednesday, then prospects for more significant precipitation increase later next week. Stay tuned.