High Sierra Topix

Weather Discussion:

A moderately strong trough continues to move towards the California coast line today. Mid level moisture is excellent across the central California coast into central California while low level moisture is still further off the coast. The trough will continue to make its way inland later today and tonight. Light showers will be the case as good moisture continues to advect into the area. The trough will slowly move into the area later today and tonight and the trough axis will move through the area early tomorrow morning. Showers will pick up in coverage and intensity later today as the main dynamics associated with the trough are closer to the area. The dynamics with this storm are not all too impressive so for the most part, will see a steady light rain overnight. By tomorrow, expect showers to continue across the area tapering off by midday. This trough is somewhat tropical in origin so temperatures throughout the event will likely not change much. Snow levels could be as high as 9,000 feet at times.

Area Forecast:

Expect increasing clouds throughout the day as the first weather system to affect the area in over two weeks continues to move into central California. The area will see sprinkles during the morning and afternoon hours with heavier precipitation beginning later this afternoon into the evening. The bulk of the precipitation will occur overnight and into tomorrow morning. Temperatures will be a bit cooler than they have been due to increase cloud cover. Expect by midday tomorrow rainfall to be mostly light across the area. Expect gradual clearing by the evening.

Extended Forecast:

As the current storm system exits the state late Thursday, ridging will build in shortly for Friday. However, some areas, especially the mountains, will see lingering showers Friday into Saturday. The next system forecasted to move through the area will move into the area Monday as it moves out of southern Canada on Sunday. Computer models are hinting that this will be a much colder storm and precipitation will be sufficient with it to produce good precipitation amounts. However, don't want to talk too much about a "big" storm since the models have been somewhat inconsistent. By late Monday, high pressure builds in once again, leaving the area dry but in a much colder airmass. This will bring and end to the very warm temperatures the valley has experienced the last couple of weeks.

--SB

Kings River Project Meteorologist
North American Weather Consultants, Inc.