Winter Weather Advisory

Santa Cruz County sea bluff.

Up to six inches of snow may fall along the Sierra Crest in the Tahoe region.  The weather advisory is up from 2AM to 2PM this Wednesday.  If you are planning to travel over the mountains this coming Wednesday, you can expect winter travel.  Slick roads and blowing snow should be expected above 7000 feet.  But is is summer after all, so things should be clear by Wednesday evening.  If you are a powderhound, you may want to hit some high elevation meadows.  But don't expect that powder to stick around through Thursday.  That summertime sun will bake things out pretty quickly.  But this may give the Tahoe ski resorts opening for the holiday weekend a fresh smooth coat to even out those sun cups.

Down here along the coast, we should see some rain tomorrow.  North of the city, it may start some time in the morning.  Along the Monterey Bay, it will hold off until late afternoon or evening.  Perhaps up to an inch in part of Marin.  Over two inches in the northern counties.  About a quarter of an inch is expected in Monterey.  You can figure out what is between.  But these amounts are huge for June.  Santa Cruz averages just .2 inches for the month, and we received more than that already.  Wet roads are likely for the afternoon commute.  Showers may continue overnight, so expect some slick roads Wednesday morning.  And you can take a few days off from watering your lawn and garden.  Again, mother nature is buying the next round of drinks.

Mmmm. Tomato Season has begun.

Then things take a turn for the better.  The warm up I mentioned yesterday is still in the cards.  Sure, we will be dealing with that morning fog through the period, but high pressure is moving in.  Low to mid 80s are expected Friday and Saturday here in Santa Cruz.  Hot in the Central Valley, and high 70s at 7000 feet.  It is going to be a nice start to the holiday weekend.  It won't last along the coast, as the marine layer strengthens and cools things slightly starting Sunday.  Just slightly, though.  It will still be nice and warm enough to crack a cold beer as you work the grill.  Enjoy the holiday folks, but please be responsible.  And remember this is one of those times of years that (statistically) there will be a lot of drunk drivers on the road.  Don't be one of them.

So in short we see clouds and rain Tuesday.  Heavy fog in the morning.  Perhaps a touch of drizzle to start the day Wednesday, and then clearing by afternoon.  Morning fog resumes Thursday and a warming trend begins.  Peak in on Saturday with mid 80s around the Bay.  Slight cooling for the rest of the weekend and the fourth.