US WX Alerts

Weather forecast

Persistent troughing over the West will lead to continued cool but generally drier weather the next several days.

· Isolated, “hit or miss” showers are expected again across the region today but will be less in coverage than yesterday. Rainfall amounts will mainly be a tenth of an inch or less, with locally higher amounts in heavier cells. The snow level will be around 4500 feet.

· Mainly dry weather is expected from Friday through Monday, but a passing rain or snow shower is possible any of those days, mainly near the Sierras.

· Breezy conditions are expected in some areas the next few days. Today through Saturday will see frequent periods of west to northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph across the mountain ridges and desert passes. Similarly strong northerly winds can be expected across southern Santa Barbara County and through the Grapevine. Winds will weaken for Sunday and Monday.

· The next chance of widespread precipitation will come Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Early indications remain that this will be a less significant storm than the past several and will be most focused across Central and Northern California. However, it still has potential to bring a widespread 0.5 to 2 inches of rain to parts of the region and a period of gusty south to west winds.

· It also looks to be another cool storm with relatively low snow levels, especially for the time of year. Elevations in the Sierras above 5000 to 6000 feet could see 1 to 3 feet of new snow from that storm.

· Temperatures today will warm about 5 degrees versus yesterday, but remain well below normal. Valley highs will favor the upper 50s and low 60s. Gradual moderation is expected through early next week, but coasts, valleys, and the high desert will still mainly be in the low to mid 60s, with 70s in the low deserts. Monday and Tuesday will be the warmest days, with some Southern California valleys approaching 70, then another cooldown is likely with the storm system for the middle of next week.