MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

0730 Wednesday:

The Snapshot:   Thickening clouds today, light mixed rain and snow beginning late tonight and lasting into early Saturday morning; dry, clear and colder for the weekend.

The Science: A cold front approaching from the west will bring light rain and snow showers to the mountains for the remainder of the week.  With some luck, +2-4” of snow could be on the ground by early Saturday morning. 

Long Range: High-pressure returns on the weekend for another stretch of dry and clear weather.   Cold air is expected to drop in from the north early next week with low temperatures in the upper teens possible; this will help hold the snowpack in place for awhile longer. 

Precipitation ending at 4am: Today’s 24hr Water = <.25    Snow = trace  Tomorrow’s 24hr Water = .25   Snow = 1-3  Trend and Timing: Light rain showers begin around midnight tonight.  Light mixed rain and snow can be expected through early Saturday morning.

24hr temperature ending at 4am tomorrow:  Low: 30   High: 36 Freezing level: +-4500.’ Trends and Timing: Freezing levels will fall to 4500’ and hover at the elevation for the next 24-48hrs.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4am tomorrow: Base: 0-5 WNW Ridge Top: 5-15 WNW   Trend and Timing: Gusty westerly winds will increase this afternoon.  Northwesterly flow is expected to continue for the remainder of the week.

JM