March 19, 2018 – Dry weather continues today with milder temperatures. Wet weather returns Tuesday and continues into the weekend.
Discussion
Mostly clear skies across interior NorCal early this morning as the back edge of an area of high clouds moves east. Temperatures are milder and range from the teens in the mountain valleys to the upper 30s to mid 40s across the Central Valley.
Dry weather continues today into early Tuesday under ridging ahead of the upstream low offshore. Plenty of sunshine along with a milder airmass will result in warmer temperatures across the region today with milder portions of the Central Valley likely to approach the 70 degree mark.
The next weather system moves into the region on Tuesday, though increasing clouds and warm-advection may result in some sprinkles as early as late tonight. Atmospheric river initially aimed toward central and SoCal, so mainly light precipitation expected along with high snow levels.
Heavier precipitation forecast to begin Wednesday night and continue Thursday as deeper moisture moves north into NorCal ahead of the approaching cold front and upper trough. Snow levels will initially be rather high, 6500-7500 feet, but will tumble to below 4000 feet behind the front by later Thursday. Periods of moderate to heavy precipitation will be possible, particularly over the mountains. Gusty winds are also possible on Wednesday across the region.
Extended discussion (Friday through Monday)
Large upper low off the PacNW Coast will send embedded vort max across Interior NorCal Friday keeping showers in the forecast. Main upper low then digs across northern portions of CA Saturday, continuing unsettled weather. Drier NWly flow sets up across the CWA Sunday into Monday. Temperatures warm gradually through the extended forecast period approaching slightly below normal by Monday.