April 19, 2020
Summary: Upper level high pressure stretches from the eastern Pacific northward to the waters off British Columbia. A weak trough of low pressure will push through the high and will move through central California Monday afternoon and night. models are now indicating the system will move through as more of a long wave trough as opposed to a closed circulation. This will decrease the chance of widespread precipitation on the valley floor. Some locations may not see any precipitation whatsoever and locations that do record measurable rain will likely see less than .10. the bulk of the precipitation from this event will be over the Sierra Nevada.
There’s a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, mainly near the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Beginning Tuesday, a flat zone of high pressure over the eastern Pacific will begin to build inland for the start of a long period of dry and warm weather. Before that occurs, however, upslope clouds will bank up against the west facing slopes of the Sierra Nevada and the north facing slopes of the Kern County mountains, so it may be Tuesday afternoon before skies really clear out on a widespread basis.
The off shore high will slowly shift eastward during the course of the week, resulting in a significant warming trend. In fact, it’s possible that warmest locations this coming weekend could push the 90 degree mark.
Looking ahead to next week, models still show a strong ridge pattern over and off the west coast for dry weather and above average temperatures.
Forecast: Mostly cloudy this morning. becoming mostly clear to occasionally partly cloudy this afternoon and tonight. increasing cloudiness Monday. A chance of scattered showers Monday afternoon into early Tuesday morning. a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms, mainly near the Sierra Nevada foothills. Mostly cloudy Tuesday morning. becoming mostly cloudy Tuesday afternoon. Mostly clear Tuesday night through Sunday with a warming trend.
Temperatures: highs today will warm into the mid 70s, cooling into the upper 40s and lower 50s tonight. lower 70s can be expected Monday with low to mid 50s Monday night. Mid 70s will be the highs Tuesday.
Next report: April 20/morning