Wet weather continues through midweek, weekend brings more storms

January 7, 2019 – Decreasing wind and precipitation today. Active weather pattern continues with the next system forecast to move into the region Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday followed by additional systems into next week.

Discussion

Yesterday’s strong system has shifted east of the region though showers linger across the west slopes of the northern Sierra Nevada and across portions of the Central Valley. Winds have diminished across most of the area, but gusty southerly winds will continue this morning across the Sierra. Precipitation over the past 24 hours has mostly ranged from a half inch to around an inch in the valley to 1 to 3 inches in the foothills and mountains.

Warm-advection will result in areas of lingering precipitation today, mainly over the higher terrain across the northern and western portions of the forecast area. Upper ridging moves in later today thru early Tuesday, but won’t be enough to completely shut off precipitation across far northern California.

Next system slowly approaches Tuesday with increasing wind and precipitation spreading inland ahead of the frontal passage Tuesday night. Snow levels look to increase Tuesday to 6500 to 7500 feet, then lower slightly behind the front on Wednesday.

Ridging and drier weather for most of the region Thursday.

Extended Discussion (Friday through Monday)

Active pattern expected during the extended period as a series of systems move across interior NorCal. The first system will bring Valley rain and mountain snow Friday afternoon into early Saturday. Preliminary storm total QPF looks to be around 0.25-0.6 inches in the Central Valley, and up to an inch over the mountains through Saturday morning. Snow levels are looking to be around 5500 to 6500 feet Friday afternoon, then lower to around 4500 to 5500 feet Friday evening into Saturday. Mainly dry conditions are expected Saturday afternoon, except for a few lingering mountain showers.

The next Pacific system will impact the area Saturday evening into early next week. However, model differences are evident this far out in terms of precipitation amounts and progression of the system. Unsettled conditions might continue on Monday, followed by additional precipitation chances on Tuesday.