Trajectories.

The angle at which these storms come onshore will make a big difference in how the rain falls.  Well, today's system came in at the right angle for us to get some rain.  Nearly an inch has fallen already on the west side.  Enough to get some minor urban flooding.  Water was pooling up in the streets this morning.  And it also has kept the air quite cool.  Still not above 50F at 10AM this morning.  Up in the Sierra snow is falling again, but the bulk of this system is pushing down through the central valley.  Rain has lightened up to showers already, and we should see a bit of clearing this afternoon.  There is already a bit more light in the sky.  Next system will begin to impact us later tomorrow, but that does not mean we won't see more rain before then.  Continued cold today, and tonight.

Snow piles up in the Sierra.  Finally.

Sometime tomorrow a much strong system will come ashore just to the north of us.  This system will be tapping into moisture from the tropics.  This is what the rainy season around here is all about.  Be prepared for some wet weather this weekend.  This one will also be quite a bit warmer, with rain falling in Lake Tahoe.  With luck, the resorts above 7000 feet will be getting snow.  Rain arrives on Friday, and builds overnight.  Saturday morning will be warm, with temperatures pushing to the upper 50s by afternoon.  Heavy rain continues into Sunday, which will be even warmer.  Snow levels may rise up above 8000 feet.  Sunday evening, cooler air moves in, and rain continues.  Monday morning will be cooler, with snow levels back around lake level, and rain backing off.  Dry by mid day.  Or something like that.  Temps back up into the 60s by Tuesday.  We might even see some sunshine.