December 15, 2018 – A moderate storm system will track over NorCal late Sunday into Monday with hazardous mountain travel likely. Dry weather returns for much of next week.
Discussion
The forecast remains on track this morning as we await the arrival of the next storm system which will arrive on Sunday. This system will have enough oomph and moisture to create hazardous travel conditions especially over the Sierra late Sunday into Monday morning. Snow levels are forecast to drop to pass level, with most of the accumulating snow occurring above 6000 feet where 1 to 2 feet of snow is expected by Monday morning.
For areas that won’t be impacted by snow, expect to see about 1-2 inches of rain by the end of Monday. Rainfall rates are not expected to meet flood thresholds for most burn areas at this time. The exception may be the Delta/Hirz fire area if convective bands develop Sunday afternoon/evening. Only expecting minor impacts over the other burn areas.
As we head into Tuesday, we`ll start to see a drier stretch of weather as high pressure builds over California. The exception may be for the northern most parts of our CWA as models continue to show a weak front moving into northwest California. This could bring light rain to the northern counties Tuesday into Wednesday.
Extended Discussion (Wednesday through Saturday)
Upper ridge forecast to reassert itself along the West Coast during the second half of next week resulting in mainly dry and mild weather across interior NorCal. A system is forecast to brush across the far northern portion of the state on Thursday night which may bring some light precipitation to the northern mountains. Another system is forecast to follow in northwest flow later next Saturday. QPF is expected to be light.