Here we go. Wind and rain. And a touch of snow up high.

Moon rises over Whiskey Ridge, Kirkwood, California.

You know, it has been a pretty warm year.  Sure, we all notice it is dry.  And you probably notice how warm it is in the sun.  But have you noticed the warm rain as well?  Not like last year when we could see snow rimmed mountains around the Monterey Bay.  Heck, San Jose looked more like a mountain city than a coastal one.  The point is, we have another storm coming our way, and it will be another warm one.  Low 50s here in Santa Cruz.  Snow levels will be hanging out around lake level in the Tahoe Basin.  So you don't need to worry about wintery travel down here in the coastal mountains.  But you do need to worry about high winds and possible road closures.

This storm is coming in hot and heavy and hitting a brick wall.  Most of its energy will sweep south through Baja, but it will be breaking to bits right on top of us.  That means some high winds starting as early as sunset tonight.  Rain will arrive pretty heavy as well, filling in over night.  Tuesday morning's commute will be pretty gnarly.  If you travel over mountain roads, leave early.  You might even want to check that no trees have been downed and block you route.  Serious.  That kind of storm.  Over an inch will fall along the coast, and that will drop quickly as you head inland.  Maybe (with some luck) a 1/2 inch will fall along the Sierra Crest.  As you head south, though, the numbers hang in there.  Say 3/4 of an inch for (not so) sunny San Diego.  This will be a pretty good rain maker for us coastal folks.  Things clear in the evening, but best plan for a rugged commute home Tuesday.

As the sun sets behind Chair 6 and Glove Rock, Kirkwood, California.

Clearing, and a bit warmer Wednesday.  About 60F.  Thursday and Friday we could see a pretty nice warm up.  Kind of like what we say this past weekend.  No bets yet on 70s, but pushing in that direction.  Even the Sierra may see a drastic warm up and a building inversion.  Lets hope not.  We could use a few inches of snow falling through the day Tuesday, being pushed into the surface by riders.  But only if it stays cold afterwards and keeps that stuff squeaking.  The snow has been way too loud this season.  We need some winter.  That is not to say the riding has not been excellent.  It is much better than the media will have you think.  Ask anyone who has ventured up.

So, prepare for some high winds this afternoon and tonight.  Drive carefully.  Roads will be wet, pools will form and we can expect some small flooding.  Tuesday is dreary.  Plan for an indoor activity.  Wednesday clears and warms to 60.  Thursday and Friday should be 65+ and sunny.  A little cooler for the weekend.  For now, looks like more sun.  But things are starting to look interesting as we move to mid month.