Today has been nice, partly cloudy and even a little warm for some. This all changes tomorrow with a cold and wet system on the way. Overnight tonight we'll see lows in some locations stay in the upper-40s to 50s due to increasing cloud cover acting as a blanket overnight.
Rain & snow will impact everyone by Tuesday which should enter the valley by 8am. Widespread showers are expected throught the day on Tuesday with scattered showers on Wednesday in the valley but still more numerous in the mountains. Thursday, only isolated showers are expected, mostly in the mountains. Rain totals will range from half an inch to 2 inches in the valley with 1 to 3 inches in the mountains & foothills. Snow levels remain high for most of the rain.
A WINTER STORM WARNING is in effect Tuesday-Wednesday in the Sierra for elevations above 6,500 feet. 2-3 feet of snow will be possible on Mt Lassen and for elevations above 7,000 feet. Pass level could see 12-18 inches of snow. Whiteout conditions are expected at times due to heavy, wet snow and with chain controls likely at higher elevations. Travel is highly discouraged. Wind gusts of 50 mph are also possible, causing blowing snow.
Other areas could see mountain tops with up to a foot of snow, especially Mt Shasta. Snow levels will remain above 6,000 feet through Wednesday morning, which means most will only see a couple inches of snow when snow levels drop to 5,500 feet on Wednesday night.
A HIGH WIND WARNING is in effect for counties bordering Oregon and Nevada for tonight and Tuesday. Winds will be from the south and southwest from 30 to 50 mph and gust up to 80 mph in some locations. These are damaging winds and could down powerlines and trees as well as topple high-profile vehicles on the roadway.
In addition to rain, snow and wind, this system will keep valley highs in the mid-to-upper 50s on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Isolated showers are possible on Thursday but many warm back into the low-60s in the valley with some sunshine later in the day.
Friday through Sunday will remain dry with highs in the low-60s. Saturday you can even expect sunny skies.
An atmospheric river might impact northern California next week on Monday and Tuesday, bringing more rain. This is still pretty far away though, so its just something to watch for now.