MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0900 Thursday

 

The Snapshot:  Today will be mostly dry with high clouds developing.  Rain mixed with snow will be on the menu tomorrow.  Saturday will be dry with a chance of some light rain on Sunday.

 

The Science:  A frontal system approaching the coast will push moisture through the region late tonight and tomorrow.  Freezing levels will be around 4500’ so expect rain in the base area with mixed rain and snow on the upper mountain.  A weak high pressure ridge developing behind the frontal system will generate a dry day on Saturday.  Another system brushes the NW portion of the state on Sunday.

 

4-7day Long Range:  Next week will start out dry and sunny with a cooler and wetter weather pattern developing on Wednesday or Thursday.  

 

Precipitation: Water by 4am = .10  Snow = trace 24hr total inches of water ending at noon tomorrow = .5 -.75 24hr total inches of snow ending at noon tomorrow =  1-4   Trend and Timing: Light rain mixed snow will begin to fall late tonight with the main front arriving after 4am tomorrow morning.  Periods of heavy rain below 4500’ can be anticipated during the meat of the day tomorrow.  A short lived convergence zone period will be possible tomorrow night for a shot of some heavy snow.

Base Temp and Freezing levels:  Low:30   High: 38 Freezing level: +-4500’   Trends and Timing Freezing levels will bounce between 4500’ and 5000’ through this storm.

Winds (mph) Base: 0-5 SW Ridge Top: 5-15 WSW   Trend and Timing:  Winds will shift WSW with the passing of the front early tomorrow morning.  Winds will strengthen during the day but remain below advisory levels.