Spectacular Weekend On Tap. Get On It!

It now looks like we will be spared the rain and snow this weekend, so if you are a Weekend Warrior, you better get on it.  This is not the weekend to take car of those inside choirs.  Grade your papers, plan your meetings and get that work done.  It does not matter much what you do, but do it outside.

On the coast, it will be clear and in the mid to high 50's.  The mountain bike trails are starting to dry just a little bit and moving from muddy to o' so lovely tacky.  The hikes are insane right now, be it Muir, Big Basin or anywhere in the Santa Cruz mountains.  Creeks are flowing, and waterfalls are at their best.  And the hills are green.  This is perfect weather for a run, and even better for working in the yard.  Soils are a bit dryer (but still wet) and good for a till.  It may even be dry enough to rake up those leaves you ignored in October.

In the Sierra expect cold crisp nights, and warm (high 30s/low 40s) sunny days.  The snow is holding up in great condition both inside and outside the resorts.  In fact, our snowpack is the most stable it has been all season, so get out and enjoy the north facing powder and south facing corn.  Put on some skins, nordic skis or snow shoes and enjoy the spectacular views.  If you want to see some pictures of skiing over the past few days, it is a click away.  Just be sure to dress in layers, because it will be much colder at 8am than at noon.

The next chance for weather (my term for rain, and the such) will be around Tuesday 11th.  This system may move north of us, and is coming from the south.  Whether the rain comes Tuesday, or not until Thursday, we should expect a warm and wet system that will stick around for a few days.  Long term, the jet looks like it may dip south again the third week on January, which will mean frequent cold systems with lighter precipitation rates.  With the amount of water we have already received, this is good news.

Did your garden freeze last night?  Central Valley folks should keep an eye out, as the cool, clear nights are prime for a frost or freeze.  If any more cold air moves in, we may see this become an issue in the produce markets.  Floating row covers are your best defense against the cold; those of us near the coast need not to worry too much this week.