Rain is a Coming. Cooler and Wetter with each Model Run. Fair Next Week. For a While.

Just as stated.  Expect a cool and wet day for tomorrow.  This morning's run brings up to an inch of water over the Bay Area hills, heaviest in Marin.  Still 3-6" of snow at lake level, up to 9" above 7000 feet and a bit more at the crest.  Temperatures have already begun to cool, with yesterday's high much lower than earlier in the week.  Today, Saturday, should be even cooler.  Clouds move in this evening, with a slight chance of showers.  Heaviest rain should be before noon on Sunday.  You may be able to sneak in an afternoon walk.

Sunday should be the coldest day of the coming week, with highs in the mid 50s at the coast and just about 32F in the high Sierra.  This storm system is still fairly small and swift moving; we should begin to see clearing as early as Sunday evening.  Monday and the rest of the week should remain clear.  The high pressure ridge we have had for the past few weeks will have a difficult time setting back up though, and the week will remain cool through at least Wednesday, with only a slight increase in temperatures.   Thursday and Friday should see Bay Area temperatures move back into the low to mid 60s.  Once again, warmest in spectacular Santa Cruz.  

Speaking of Santa Cruz, you can still enjoy the surf and butterflies this coming week.  If you find your self down this way, I do suggest a stop at Lighthouse Field.  You can take a stroll, get some fresh air, see the Monarchs and watch the surfers.  Not bad for a twenty minute outing before dinner.  Time it right and you may even be able to enjoy a spectacular sunset this evening with the incoming storm.

It looks like the following weekend should remain fair and warm.  We will need to keep an eye on the models, as the teleconnections and patterns are beginning to change.  We should be in a different pattern by mid month.  Get out side and enjoy our nice weather while you can.  Forecasters are expecting for us to make up for the recent lack of winter.  Typical for a La Nina year is colder than average temperatures.  While we got a feel for that in November and December, we have been in a reprieve this entire month.  Get ready to buckle down.

You still have a good window for getting some lettuce (or kale) in the ground, as next week will not be all that cold; there will still be plenty of sun as well.  But your window may be closing.  The PNA is still forecast to go negative and the NOA positive; if that comes to pass, the storm doors will open.  No young plant really enjoys an open storm door.  And in general, get your yard and outdoor projects in order over the coming week.