Northern California forecast: Chance for thunderstorms Thursday. Here’s how long showers will linger
Northern California is waking up to a soggy start to the day with lingering showers and Sierra snow on Thursday.
Meteorologist Tamara Berg says some of the best shower activity will be along the west slope of the Sierra as the morning unfolds.
Snow levels on Thursday look to stay close to 4,000 feet. Some Sierra chain controls are in effect.
Thursday will also see sun breaks in the afternoon, along with cooler-than-average temperatures that peak in the upper-50s to low-60s.
Another wave of showers is expected to rotate through this afternoon, along with a chance for thunderstorms.
“Today, again, we're still staying unsettled. We still have moisture wrapping around from this low, and that's what will trigger another wave of showers for the afternoon,” Berg said.
Those showers will likely happen between 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Some Valley spots could see a trace or up to 5/100 of an inch and possibly up to 3/10 of an inch of rain in the Foothills.
The Sierra above 7,000 feet could see an additional 6 to 10 inches of snowfall Thursday. Chain controls are likely throughout the day.
After sunset, lingering showers will remain over the Sierra, but the Valley will clear out.
LOOKING AHEAD
Friday and into the weekend look dry with cooler temperatures, Berg said.
“It is looking to be dry Saturday and Sunday and even hanging out of that dry weather into Monday,” she said.
The next chance for rain and snow arrives Tuesday.
A LOOK AT SIERRA SNOWPACK
Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn says the northern part of the Sierra’s snowpack is 181% of the average for this time of year.
The central Sierra is at 231% of the average, while the southern part of the Sierra is at 283% of the average for this time of year.
“We just have a couple of weeks left for the snow season, but we're at 222% of the average for the whole season. So looking pretty good,” Verdoorn said.
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