Spring Delayed. Winter Sets Up a Spectacular Finale Show.

EDIT: Tornado Warning for San Mateo County and surrounding areas.  A cloud possible of producing tornados was spotted near Half Moon Bay around 11AM.  Moving to the NE @ 30 MPH.

Friday we awoke to a pretty thick cover of clouds.  Rain should begin sometime mid day and in fall in earnest by the afternoon commute.  Tonight could be a tumultuous one.  Cold air will filter in behind the front tonight brining near freezing temperatures in the bay area hills.  Some of the local higher elevation may see a dusting of snow.  While not as cold as the late February system, this one is looking very chilly for mid March.

In the hills and mountains, snow will fall above 3000 feet this evening.  Several inches are expected at the lower elevations, with a foot plus at the lake and several in the mountains.  Showery weather and cold air continue on Saturday and through the weekend.  Another system saddles up to the coast and begins a southerly push on Sunday.  Late Sunday into the early part of next week, this storm moves east across the state bringing another bout of heavy snow to the mountains.  It will again be measured in feet.  More following that system for later in the work week.  We are looking at a day or less break in between storms.  Winter is certainly not over.

Here on the coast, Saturday looks calm, but not clear.  Clouds continue.  And we will probably see sporadic showers throughout the day.  High temperatures will rise to the low 50's.  Sunday sees even a greater likelihood of shower and continued cool weather.  By Sunday afternoon, heavier rains come into the region and last overnight.  Monday morning's commute looks showery as well.  It will be mostly clouds, wind and rain all next week.  It looks like we are going to get some of that water we really need.  It also is a good idea to keep an eye out for localized flooding.  The ground is still saturated from the last set of storms and with the week ahead, there will be plenty of running water in central California.  On the bright side, the low snow levels will minimize mountain river flow and add to our substantial snowpack.  Over the next week, we can expect upwards of 6" of precipitation across the region, and even more along the Sierra crest.  Even LA and San Diego should get heavy rain on Sunday and Monday, in excess of 4 inches. Impressive.

If you have potted seedlings out in the yard, you may want to bring them in for the next few days.  Heavy rain, some wind and cold air may work to stunt your babies.  Most established plants will bear this storm well.  Again, lettuce may take a beating, and perhaps more upsetting is the set back that strawberry production will take.  But don't fret.  With each passing day, the sun gets higher in the sky allowing for much more day time warming.  The seasonal shift should begin to take place around month's end, with our regular high pressure trying to edge in.  Models are suggesting that after next week, even thought the storm door remains open, the systems will begin to shift north.  This will mean less rain and less cold, until soon, the sun and warmth will return.

Wet today and tonight.  Wet tomorrow, but some breaks, perhaps in the afternoon.  Wet on Sunday, especially late.  Wettish on Monday and Tuesday.  Wet on Wednesday or Thursday.  Friday is looking to be wet.  And you get the point.  Stay dry and drive safe.