December 22, 2017 – Dry weather into the weekend with chilly overnight lows. A weak weather system will bring a few showers, mainly to the mountains, Sunday into Sunday night.
Discussion
Upper level ridging will remain in place through early Sunday. Dry weather continues with above normal afternoon highs and chilly overnight lows. Systems riding the ridge across the Pacific Northwest will bring some cloud cover to the local area, but showers should remain removed to the north.
Models have come into better agreement for Sunday and Christmas Day. Looks like weak system will approach the area on Sunday, moving through Sunday evening into early Christmas morning.
Precipitation breaks up as system moves onshore, so mainly expecting some showers just over the mountains, and possibly northern Sac Valley. Accumulations look light with snow levels between 5000 and 6000 feet. At this point, doesn’t look like enough to impact travel, but those with travel plans in the mountains should keep an eye on the forecast.
Christmas Day temperatures will warm a few degrees from Sunday as system moves east of the area and ridging builds back in.
Extended discussion (Tuesday through Friday)
Mainly dry weather expected through with a weak disturbance passing through far northern California Tuesday and another on Wednesday. This will bring a slight chance of precipitation limited mainly to northern Shasta County. Upper level ridging develops further late in the week, with any disturbances and accompanying precipitation deflected north of the area.