As Expected.

The week ramps up.  Looks like we will see some heavier rain on Tuesday, and then lighter Tuesday night.  We could see over an inch, maybe even two on Wednesday.  That afternoon commute is going to be a killer.  Leave early or leave late.  Moderate to heavy rain overnight on Wednesday and into mid day on Thursday.  The storm looks like it will be a faster mover, so clearing out by Thursday afternoon.  Possibly.  That morning commute will be pretty rough, and we will still have wet roads come afternoon.  Use caution, and give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go safely.

We received a little less than a 1/10 inch on Monday.  There were some periods of showers, but nothing prolonged. The last system is inland in Socal and already moved into southern Nevada and Arizona.  The desert is getting some rain.  Next system is just offshore, and this one is going to do a better job of moving rain over us.  Rain fills in overnight and Tuesday will be fairly rainy.  We are looking at perhaps a half inch of rain before a slight break Tuesday night.  The big storm for the week arrives here on the coast Wednesday.  Rain will be heavy at times on Wednesday and ramp up in the afternoon and evening.  We could see an inch or even two from Wednesday morning into Thursday afternoon.  After that, the storm tapers quickly and moves through to our east. We could see some showers Thursday night, but things back off quickly.  A very slight chance of showers early Friday, with sun by mid day.  Saturday looks like the best day of the week, with sun and high of about 60F.

We could see one more storm.  It looks like it won't make it here until Sunday.  And it may stay to our north.  But for now, we have a chance of rain coming Sunday or Martin Luther King Day.  Kind of bummed, as I was hoping to be in the fields that day.  But that is still almost a week out, so don't count on poor weather just yet.

We are looking at a possibility of 2.5 inches or more of rain over the next few days.  This is not armageddon levels of rain, but it is significant.  I was out in the Pogonip today, and the ground is certainly saturated.  Creeks are flowing.  We could see some minor flooding occur mid to late on Thursday.  Luckily, just when things would be looking to get bad, the rain should stop.  Still, be prepared. Not a bad idea to check on candles and flashlights.

As for the snow, the Sierra is looking at 4 to 6 inches of precipitation over the next several days.  Four to five feet of snow is expected above 8000 feet, mainly falling from Wednesday night through Friday morning. It is going to be a busy holiday weekend up in the mountains.  Lots of people are going to be heading up on Friday.  Please drive respectfully.  And schuss respectfully as well.  And be smart.  Stay in open areas, do not duck ropes and always have a buddy for skiing off piste.  If you avi gear, and ski a resort with avalanche prone areas, where the beacon.  Carry a shovel and probe to help in a rescue.  Have fun, but play smart.