Western Weather Group Blog

Dry Weather!

2012-01-03T16:19:00.000-08:00

Many areas are well below normal so far this winter in rainfall as La Nina conditions persist. Some form of high pressure looks to continue across California early this month and possibly into middle January. Chico only received between .15" & .22" in December which made it the 2nd driest December in the last 30yrs! Latest models have dry weather lasting through mid January. Drought conditions look to be developing as spring is forecast to be dry as well.

~Matt Wanink, Meteorologist

HAZY SKIES AND WARM (not too hot)!

2011-07-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

A large fire in Tulare County (the Lion Fire), along with southerly monsoonal flow will bring hazy skies to Northern California over the next few days. Thunderstorms across the Sierra today through Sunday could spark new fires. If hiking, watch out for flash floods and possible severe weather. Next week in the valley we should have near normal temps (middle 90s) under mostly sunny skies.

~Matt, Meteorologist

Outlook looks dry!

2011-01-14T09:13:00.001-08:00

(Near Mt Lassen)

After some wet and cold weather started us off this year, mild and dry weather looks in place for the next 7 to 10 days with a slight chance of light showers in northern areas on Sunday. Overnight temps should stay generally above freezing with mild afternoons. The last week of January may return wet weather but for now, forecast models are flip-flopping back and forth on dry or wet conditions. Most areas are over 100% of normal for rainfall so this dry spell shouldn't be too bad. With La Nina conditions in place, the question is how much rain will we get for late winter & spring...it's expected to be lower than normal.

HAPPY NEW YEAR...DRY WEATHER!

2011-01-04T06:28:00.000-08:00

A blocking pattern has set up across California and this looks to keep dry conditions through at least the middle of January. Therefore expect mostly sunny days with daytime highs in the 50s and overnight lows near or below freezing.

Almost Pineapple Express!

2010-12-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

Wetter weather on the way....

2010-12-13T09:03:00.000-08:00

A new storm will bring rain tomorrow (Tues) to NorCal with a chance of mostly dry but cloudy weather Wednesday and maybe Thursday. Wet weather returns Friday with off and on rain possible through mid next week as a very moist pattern sets up along the California Coast. Keep you umbrella & rain jacket handy...December looks to be wet!
~Matt Wanink, Meteorologist

A little wet....

2010-12-08T12:10:00.000-08:00

December has started off and a wet note so far as Chico has over 2.5" so far in the first week. Occasional wet weather will continue later this week before dry and mild weather (possibly record breaking temperatures) over the weekend. Wet weather looks to return mid next week and last into the weekend. The recent warmer temps have lead to higher snow levels across the Sierra but most resorts are still seeing nice conditions, especially on the peaks!

~ Matt Wanink, Meteorologist

Mostly Sunny with cold/frosty nights

2010-11-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

Cold nights will continue early this weekwith with some areas dropping into the middle 20s across the Central Valley and along the North Coast. Clouds will begin to increase Tuesday with a slight chance of showers midweek as a system hangs along the North Coast. Best chance of rain right now looks to be late Thursday and into Friday possibly bringing another 1/2" of rain and another foot of snow to the Sierra. So far these last few weeks the Tahoe area has see record early season snowfall as snow levels become occasionally low.

Wet & Cold..brrrr

2010-11-20T15:44:00.000-08:00

Wintry conditions have engulfed California. A series of waves will move through a large/cold trough through Tuesday bringing occasional rain, cold temps and low snow levels ~1500ft. Several feet of snow will start off the ski/snowboarding season this weekend. Dry but cool weather likely midweek. Models were showing it dry through next weekend but are beginning to shift back to wetter weather.
*Frost possible Monday and Tuesday (depending on cloud cover). Frost likely Wednesday morning.

Dry weather on its way!

2010-11-08T09:34:00.000-08:00

Frontal rain and afternoon thunderstorms affected the Chico area yesterday. Meanwhile a weak storm system is forecast to pass by Tuesday evening & night but only producing light rainfall amounts. After that long range forecast models are showing no rain for Northern California at least through all of next week!

Rain, Rain and Rain

2010-10-22T15:57:00.001-07:00

Multiple storm systems will impact Northern California over the next several days. Large rainfall amounts will be likely on Sunday along with gusty winds. Rainfall amounts could range from 1-3 inches! Drier weather is expected by Tuesday and Wednesday but then rain looks to return Thursday and possibly over the weekend. It looks like the wet late fall/early winter conditions due to La Nina are starting to affect the state...

Rainfall threat returning!

2010-10-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

Mild midweek temperatures will give way to cloudier and potentially wetter weather this weekend. Conditions don't look to become too cool though. Rainfall chances will likely remain north of the Bay Area & Stockton.

Cool & showery weather....a taste of fall!

2010-10-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

A cut-off low over the state today and tomorrow will continue the threat of showers (some heavy) during the afternoon hours (mainly in the mountains though). Cool high temperatures in the 70s will also be present. Warmer and sunnier weather will begin Thursday leading to a pleasant weekend, with highs in the 80s.

Hot Autumn conditions in store...

2010-09-24T15:56:00.000-07:00

A large ridge of high pressure will overtake California this weekend and early next week bringing sunny skies with highs in the 90s and possibly the lower 100s. A gradual cool down is expected mid next week while all storm system stick well to the north of us, continually pounding British Columbia. Good conditions for harvest!

Warm temps returning!

2010-09-21T16:11:00.001-07:00

A few clouds and cooler weather is expected through Wednesday but warmer weather is on the horizon. Widespread 90F temperatures are likely by the weekend and into early next week as summer returns for harvest. As of now, no rainfall is in the near future, keeping Northern California dry into early October!

Mild temps all week!

2010-09-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

It's not quite fall yet as high temperatures all week look to be in the middle to upper 80s across the Central Valley and in the 70s near the coast. A consist marine layer is expected as well for areas near the coast which will mean starting your day off in the fog and low cloudiness. Cooler weather is expected next weekend along with more cloud cover. Forecast models where showing rain a few days ago but have now backed off and keep any rainfall along the North Coast...we shall see!

Last week a few areas in the Sacramento Valley got dumped on by thunderstorms (Chico, Maxwell, etc) Chico had some flooding issues downtown as well (water over the roads and people rafting down the streets). Surprisingly, most stations received only 1/2" of rainfall. Perhaps is was locally heavier directly downtown but there are no rain gauges there to check...

~Matt Wanink, Meteorologist

Pleasant Labor Day Weather

2010-09-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

Near normal conditions are on tap this holiday weekend, lower 90s inland and 70s & 80s near the coast. Much cooler weather will be nearing by Tuesday and Wednesday as highs on Wednesday only reach the 70s everywhere! With some clouds too! A gradual warm up will occur late in the week but temps in the 80s inland will continue (below normal) as fall and havest season quickly approaches.

~Matt Wanink, Meteorologist

Hot N Cold

2010-08-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

Growers are getting ready to harvest! (I was in Paso Robles recently)

After record breaking heat struck Northern and Central California, another big swing in temperatures is expected tomorrow as a large trough moves inland across the West Coast. Partly cloudy skies and temperatures well below normal are expected. There is a slight chance of rain too! Thats right rain! It hasn't rain across the North State (besides mt showers) in over three months! Local models are even showing some possible thunderstorms developing tomorrow as an unstable airmass passes through. Conditions look to become more seasonal next week.

~Matt Wanink, Meteorologist

Get your AC ready!

2010-08-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

Cool midweek still but then HOT weather expected over the weekend and into early next week (100s). Cooler again by late next week as onshore flow returns.

~Matt, Meteorologist

Cool August temperatures!

2010-08-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

(Napa Valley in the morning from Angwin)
It may not feel that cool but conditions are cooler than normal all across the North State. This has been felt the most in areas that see a marine air influence (i.e. Sonoma & Napa Counties along with areas like Vacaville & Sacramento). Look for similar conditions to last into the middle of next week. After that forecast models are uncertain if we'll warm back up or remain cool. Most growers are hoping for warmer temps, especially ones near the coast!

~ Matt, Meteorologist

HOT Weather!!

2010-07-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

After a cool past couple of days, as the marine layer advanced well inland, temperatures will be heating up today and remain hot through the weekend, especially for areas in the Central Valley. Latest model runs are indicating that the hottest day for most of the state will be on Saturday with temperatures likely topping the century mark inland. Cooler weather should arrive early to mid next week with some areas starting to cool off on Sunday.

Summer is HERE...but luckily no scorching heat waves...yet

2010-07-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Cooler today as a thick marine layer developed overnight. Gradual warming trend this week with hot inland temperatures by this weekend. Possible mountain thunderstorms Thurs &Fri.

~ Matt, Meteorologist

Hot weather now but much cooler temps insight

2010-06-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

Scorching temps have returned to the region with 90s & 100s from the Central Valley to Sonoma County down to Paso Robles. Cooler weather is expected by Wednesday as marine air filtrates back inland. Should be a pleasant 4th of July weekend.

~Matt, Meteorologist

Hot temps returning this weekend, cooler next week

2010-06-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Hot weather arriving this weekend after a few surprising showers developed between Sacramento and Modesto last night and today. Temperatures across the Central Valley are expected to reach the triple digits for the first time this year (widespread) on Sunday. Locations closer to the coast should reach the 90s again. Cooler weather is expected by the middle next week as hot weather continues to arrive in glancing blows.

~ Matt Wanink, Meteorologist

Mild June conditions persisting....

2010-06-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

Pleasant mid-June conditions continuing with 60s & 70s near the coast and 80s across the Central Valley. Similar weather over the next week with the coolest temps on Saturday. Gradual warming early next week. The big question is will the Central Valley hit the lower 100s (widespread) before the end of June...usually it's a given. No rain is slight :)

~Matt, WWG Meteorologist

Dry weather continuing across NorCal....

2010-06-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

Pleasant conditions again today and mostly sunny. Increasing north winds today and tomorrow. Gusts over 30mph. Hotter weather over the weekend with highs approaching the lower 90s across the Central Valley again. Real hot conditions, mid 90s+, don't look in store for next week as onshore flow increases.

~Matt Wanink, Meteorologist

Nice weather now but cooler next week

2010-05-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Mostly sunny skies with highs in the 80s through the weekend. Hot early summer conditions (i.e. 90s) are not expected for at least another two weeks. A trough of low pressure will loom off of the West Coast beginning Monday ushering in the slight chance of rain along with cooler temperatures. As of now, rainfall totals are near to slightly above normal for most locations across Northern California.
Here is a picture of a new Campbell Scientific weather station I installed in the Napa Valley recently.
~Matt Wanink...Meteorologist

Occasional Wet Weather Continuing...

2010-02-24T16:24:00.000-08:00

After rainy conditions over the previous 24hrs..dry weather will extend into late Thursday before more rainy and windier weather returns early Friday (lasting most of the day). After morning showers on Saturday, dry weather is expected Sunday and Monday with a chance of frost on Sunday. Wet weather looks to return Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. ~Matt

Spring?

2010-02-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

Sunny and warm! Great outdoor weather this week but things will change by Friday. Wet weather likely over the weekend. Chance of rain early next week with a better chance of rain late next week as any 70 degree weather leaves the region for a while. ~Matt

More wet weather on the horizon after Super Bowl Sunday

2010-02-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

Another storm will impact the North State tonight and into Saturday as yesterday's storm brought about an inch of rain to most northern valley locations. Mostly dry weather for Super Bowl Sunday and hangover Monday. Then by mid next week, more rain looks to be in store as severals systems clip the North State. So far we are well above our rainfall amounts from last year across the entire state.

A dry weekend

2010-01-30T15:14:00.000-08:00

Our Chico office has now recieved 9 inches of rain in January after last night's system! Dry weather and partly cloudy skies this weekend. Chance of showers early next week with wet weather in store late in the week.

Rain on Tuesday?

2010-01-28T09:28:00.001-08:00

I've seen some forecasts calling for a fair amount of rain on Tuesday all the way into Central CA. I'm thinking we'll get some rain in NorCal (i.e. SacVal) on Tuesday, but very little if any south of SF to Sacramento. The system late Friday/early Sat looks stronger than the one for Tuesday. Both systems are weak compared to storms expected later next week. Marc WWG

El Nino rains to return late next week.

2010-01-28T09:14:00.000-08:00

Our two week long rain spell Jan 11-26th has most (if not al)l of the state above normal now for precip (100% to 125% for most stations). Most stations were running 50-70% back on January 11th before the spickett turned on. Assuming models are correct and we see another week long plus rainy period late next week through mid February - much of the state should be running close to 110% to 140% above normal. Thank you El Nino. Marc Walsh WWG

One more wet day....

2010-01-25T16:58:00.000-08:00

More rain has engulfed the Sacramento Valley today with many places seeing over an inch of rain. In fact some locations across the North Coast have recieved over three inches of rain! But, relief is in sight. Today will likely be the wettest day in the next week or two. Only a few weak systems look to near the North State, one on Friday and another early next week. Otherwise, warmer temperatures and more sunshine will be in store. The umbrellas will finally get a break...however wetter than normal conditions are still expected over the coming months. ~Matt

Wet weather across California...Flooding?

2010-01-20T08:10:00.000-08:00

Moist storm systems continue to pound California this morning with alomst 4 inches of rain already in Chico, CA since Monday. Yesterday's storm brought water spouts and tornadoes to Southern California while also bringing gusts of over 70mph across the Bay Area. Thursday's system will come in more to the south which should help to make conditions less wet aross the North State. Drier and cooler weather should be in store heading into the weekend. Our Chico weather station has about 6 more inches of rain so far this year than last year (7/1-now). Thats should help the reservoirs! ~Matt W.