Saturday Chill Forecast 2/16/19

Good Saturday morning,

North winds are blowing out there, with chilly temps. 

Today, we are looking at no rain in Santa Barbara as north flow creates a rain shadow over Santa Barbara. For Santa Ynez, there may still be a slight chance for a shower, but it should be mostly dry. 

For the chill however, it will be unseasonably cold. Highs will make it into the 50s. 

Tonight, another system rolls into the forecast area. This is extremely cold. 

Sunday, we are looking at some rain or snow at higher elevation. This is not a big system, but we will see some showers.  1/4 inch of rain. 3/4 on north facing mountains or snow of 3 to 5 inches. Highs will be in the 40s in the valleys and low 50s coastal.

Sunday night, snow levels will be between 1500 and 2500 feet. Hoping to see snow in the local mountains. 

Monday, another bitter cold day, but dry. 

Tuesday and Wednesday high pressure builds in and dry chilly days and nights will be the norm.

Thursday, another really cold system drops south. This will bring snow levels to 1500 to 2000 feet. As far as precept goes, it will be lite with 1/4 inch or less expected 

Extended beyond Friday is not clear, but Friday will be windy and dry. 

https://www.ssd.noaa.gov/goes/west/nepac/h5-loop-wv.html

Bottom line, it is winter in California. I do not remember weather like this month for many years. It is exciting to see wintery weather in our backyards. Also with Lake Cachuma totals climbing we are all happy. 

Break out the winter parkas. It is cold out there. 

Fun Facts:

If Cachuma goes up 33 more feet, it will be at spill level. Cachuma is at 58% this morning.

Rain fall for the year to date is 125% to 160% above normal.

For the season, most areas have received 100% of normal for the year.

February has been below average temps the entire month, and it appears the next week will do the same. 

Nacimiento is at 61%.

Snow pack is at 136% of normal. 

Mammoth has a base snow level of 140 inches and at the top 210 inches, Tahoe 107 to 184 inches.

San Marcas pass has 35.94 inches of rain this season to date, 13.05 inches this month. Santa Barbara has 18.56 this month 7.14.