Another weak weather system Thursday evening into Friday

Light precipitation continues across far northern California today and Thursday while the remainder of the region sees dry weather. Another weather system will bring a chance of wet weather Friday.

Discussion

Cloudy skies cover interior NorCal early this morning as plentiful moisture continues to spill through the eastern Pacific ridge into the region. Winds are considerably lighter compared to 24 hours ago as the surface gradient has relaxed. Current temperatures remain mild with readings mainly in the 30s over the mountains with upper 40s to mid 50s across the Central Valley.

Generally dry conditions are expected today and Thursday as the mid/upper ridge moves overhead. The mountains north of Redding may see some light precipitation with light southerly flow and weak lift provided from warm-advection.

Temperatures will be mild with Central Valley highs in the mid 50s to lower 60s and lows in the 40s. The ridge will be short-lived. Another trough will approach northwest California late week, bringing the region renewed rain and mountain snow chances.

Expect precipitation arrival as early as Thursday night for parts of Shasta County, spreading southeast into Friday morning. Snow levels will start off around 5500 to 7000 ft late Thursday, then lower to 4000 to 5500 ft by Friday afternoon. Latest forecast brings about 3 to 6 inches of snow to pass levels, and an isolated 10 inches or so around Lassen National Park.

Total rain amounts generally range from a few hundredths of an inch to 0.5 inches in the valley, and 0.25 to 1.25 inches in the foothills and mountains. Precipitation chances will decrease Friday night with another period of dry weather beginning Saturday.

Extended Discussion (Sunday trough Wednesday)

Dry weather Sunday as upper ridge axis moves through into the Great Basin. Some morning fog possible in the Central Valley. Models continue to differ with strength and track of upstream closed upper low. Forecast remains dry for now, but EC suggests potential for some precip again Wednesday which will need to be monitored with future runs.