The National Weather Service Sacramento has issued a Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 4 AM today through 4 PM Thursday for select regions including the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Burney Basin/Eastern Shasta County. According to their recent synopsis, Northern California is on the receiving end of yet another parade of weather disturbances this week despite a brief respite expected Friday and Saturday.
Under the shadow of a moving weather system, Sacramento Valley and Northern San Joaquin Valley brace for a fresh round of precipitation, predicted to pick up later in the morning. The weather experts note an increase in forecasted rain totals for the northern San Joaquin Valley, "with around 0.50 inches forecast," whereas other areas north and in the Delta could expect "around a trace to 0.25 inches," as reported by the National Weather Service. The snow, landing on elevations above 4000 feet, will likely complicate travel, resulting in slick roads and potential delays.
Local aviators should expect weather-related challenges as rain showers sweep south of I-80 with isolated MVFR ceilings. "Precipitation becomes widespread after 18Z across interior Northern California as the weather system moves inland," and with "15-25% probability of thunderstorm development from 18Z Wednesday to 06Z Thursday across the Delta, Valley, and adjacent foothills," warns the National Weather Service's aviation section. Thunderstorms could come with their array of hazards, including heavy rain, hail, lightning, and gusty winds.
Looking ahead to next week, forecasters at the National Weather Service expect another series of weather systems to impact interior Northern California. An active pattern looks poised to recommence late Sunday into Monday, bringing the chance for substantial rainfall and snow, with "NBM 72-hour probabilities ending Thursday at 5 AM for at least an inch of rain across the Valley, we see a 60-90% chance," forecasted by the National Weather Service. Residents are advised to monitor updates through the week as the forecast continues to develop.
