Spring Showers (Or Massive Storms) Are Immanent

A few passing showers hit the Bay Area this afternoon and evening. Expect a quick ramp up to full fledged storm overnight and into tomorrow. This could be the rain we need to put us over the edge and into a good water year.

While this may a bit of a late warning, expect strong winds on Tuesday. Forecasters are expecting one of the strongest down slope conditions in years to form in the Eastern Sierra. So, as a warning, avoid flying your prop planes to Mammoth Lakes until the storm passes. Of course, if you want to give me a ride out there on Saturday, just say "hey."

Strong winds and copious water on Tuesday, with the heaviest rain Tuesday afternoon. Rain to continue through the week, but becoming less of a deluge by later Wednesday. Another chance for heavy rain again on Friday and into the evening. Rain makers are lined up out in the Pacific through at least this weekend. The jury is still out, but I would not count on sunny weather for Easter.

But this is good news. We need the water. We currently expect a rebound to warmer and sunnier weather by next work week, but, as stated before, this is spring and it is hard to say for sure. The MJO continues to suggest a turbulent next few weeks.

As for snow, this set of storms is not really a powder maker, until about Friday. Tuesday should start out quite warm with freezing levels up to about 10,000 feet. As the day progresses, we should see them lower to 7k (still a little high for Tahoe). Through Wednesday and Thursday, we could see the snow levels begin to drop, providing snow and then powder snow to the mountains. The first part of this storm will resemble something like paste. The good news is we will see some of those late season steep cliffs lines maybe fill in for the weekend. Could be a great weekend for skiing.

And our gardens. Basically, a short prayer should be in order. This storms should not be too harsh. Expect some damage to strawberries and lettuce - but they should both rebound in a week. Get out to your own gardens in any breaks in the rain on Wednesday or Thursday. They may need a TLC after the heavy rain expected later today.