Weather Forecast: Winter Weather Advisory In Mountains
Redding, Chico, Red Bluff
By Mike Krueger
The sunny and warm weather we experienced last week is coming to an end this week as a cold storm approaches from the Gulf of Alaska. Rain and snow started Monday night and will continue off and on through the day on Tuesday. Snow levels could drop down to around 1500 feet give or take depending on where you are. Only a few inches are expected in the lower elevations (2000-3000ft) with 5 to 10 inches in the higher elevations (4000ft and higher). The valley isn’t expected to pick up a lot of rain and will average around a quarter of an inch.
The key to Tuesday’s forecast is whether or not we see afternoon clearing. With partly cloudy skies expected in the afternoon we could see enough daytime heating to allow for thunderstorm development. For areas that do experience thunderstorms they will most likely see hail, brief periods of heavy rain along with thunder and lightning. These are also the same areas that could see more than a quarter of an inch of rain.
We’ll call for unsettled weather the rest of the week with partly to mostly cloudy skies and a chance for a passing sprinkle/light shower from time to time. Temperatures will only reach the mid to upper 50’s which is slightly below normal for this time of year.