May 10-14 West (California) Heat Wave

A summer-like heat wave is revving up this weekend as high pressure takes control over the region for a few days. Much of Southern California, including the mountains & passes, will be in the 90s today, tomorrow and Monday, and triple digits are possible in the hottest spots. The coasts will still have marine layer influence, however, limiting the heat in those locations. Deserts will see very high heat, especially the lower deserts.

A cooling trend is expected to begin around the middle of next week.

May 5-7 West (California) Late-season Storm

Ending a nearly 60-day extended dry spell (as well as an early taste of summer), a nearly stationary cutoff low coming from the north will first wrap around Northern California before turning south around the Bay area and bringing periods of possible thunderstorms and showers to Southern California. This is expected to begin tomorrow at the earliest. We will see a deepening marine layer this evening into tonight. Drizzle may occur for some areas.



Northern California will see relatively light totals compared to typical Spring storms, with up to 0.25" in the lower elevations and higher amounts in the mountains.

For Southern California, precipitation totals are predicted to be at least 0.25" for coastal and valley locations, and possibly up to 1" in locally heavier showers. The deserts are expected to receive much less, if any measurable precipitation. Higher amounts are expected in the mountains. Snow levels are expected to get down to 7,000 feet.



The system will depart later on Tuesday. For the time being, enjoy the cooler weather!

April 6-May 4 West (California) Dry Period

Not much is going on this time around here in California. Alternating periods of high pressure ridges and onshore flow (lows) will be the norm for a while. No rain is in the forecast.

Looking farther ahead....here is an excerpt from the NWS LA/Oxnard Forecast Discussion this evening:






SST anamolies in the equatorial Pacific have remained generally neutral. Some slight warming as recently occurred in the Nino 1+2 and 3 regions, but nothing significant.

April 4-6 West (California) Spring Storm

Although yesterday's storm turned out to be decent for the northern half of the state, rainfall to date for the 2012-13 water year continues to stay well below normal for the region and that doesn't look like it will improve much anytime soon. Another weak storm will affect California later this week (mostly on Friday), distributing what moisture it is carrying to the northern two thirds of the state. Originally, Southern California was expected to share some of the action as well, but now the models have backed off on that for now. Subject to change, of course.



As of Monday, Downtown L.A. (USC) has recorded only 5.14" inches for the 2012-13 water year. This is 8.57" inches below normal.

March 31 - April 1 West (California) Storm

A weak disturbance is sending a high overcast layer over Southern California today, and dense fog is expected in many coastal areas tonight as the marine layer deepens - drizzle may occur in some of these areas as well.

A Pacific storm will take aim at California starting Sunday and lasting into Monday morning. This system is taking an inland track (like most storms this winter) and therefore moisture-limited. Precipitation amounts look rather dismal, even for Northern California. The system is forecast to enter Southern California late Sunday and depart the region by Monday afternoon.

Another, similarly weak storm might also affect the region later next week.