Christmas Eve was a quiet day for northern California with increasing clouds and above average temperatures. A Pacific storm is approaching our area at this time, and we'll have valley rain and mountain snow Christmas afternoon through Saturday morning. The lack of breezes last night brought a cold and clear night for most everyone in our region, but the high clouds moving over northern California today will keep lows milder on Christmas morning. Lows tonight with increasing clouds will range from the 10s and 20s in the mountains to the 30s and 40s in the valley and foothills. We'll have increasing clouds Christmas Day with the best chance for valley rain and mountain snow in the afternoon, evening and overnight hours. Travel Thursday or early Friday if you must. Highs on Christmas Day will range from the upper 30s to the lower 50s.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for our mountains Friday morning through Saturday afternoon, and a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect Friday and Saturday for northeast California. Travel is discouraged in the mountains. Valley rain and mountain snow are still possible through the first half of Saturday, although most of the rain and snow will have fallen. A second storm will approach Sunday and Monday, but it doesn't appear that we will receive as much rain and snow from it, merely showers Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Another Pacific Storm may make its way toward California during the latter half of next week, and if it moves over California we will have greater amounts of rain and snow. There is uncertainty with that long range forecast at this time and we will monitor it through next week. Highs will still range from the upper 30s to the 50s.