A closed low-pressure system currently sitting off the California coast will spread showers northward across the region along with frigid temperatures, gusty winds, and low snow levels. With closed and cutoff lows dropping south along the coast, there is always the potential for the system to hang offshore and side-step Southern California keeping the heaviest precip near the center at the coast, bringing lighter amounts inland. Nonetheless, the forecast remains on track at this time with snow showers increasing through this morning, showers could be heavy at times. Temperatures will reach the upper 20's today with north to northeast winds gusting 10-20 mph at times, pushing wind chill values to near zero. As this system tracks inland to our south this evening, the return flow could draw additional wrap-around moisture into the area with snow showers lingering overnight, tapering off after midnight. The snow level could drop as low as 2,000 feet tonight with additional accumulations of 4-8 inches are still possible, with isolated higher amounts. Snow showers will taper off by early tomorrow as low pressure departs the region setting us up for another chilly day. Temperatures will top out in the upper 20's to lower 30's, while overnight lows tumble into the single digits. High pressure will return to the area Wednesday with a gradual warm-up expected through the weekend as our forecast remains dry with near-normal temperatures. There are signs we could see additional unsettled weather towards the middle of next week, but that's still a ways out. If you have travel plans into the mountains, always be prepared for hazardous travel and icy roads with rapidly changing weather conditions, and always carry chains! |