Cold, Wet Weather on the Way

A significant shift in the weather is expected Tuesday, when rain, gusty winds and colder temperatures are in store.

The National Weather Service projected that this week's unsettled weather will drop a quarter to a third of an inch of rain near the coast. In the mountains, between a half-inch and an inch is expected, while the deserts will see a tenth of an inch or less.

A pair of Pacific low pressure systems will bring periods of strong gusty west winds to the mountains and deserts starting late Tuesday afternoon, according to the weather service.

Forecasters said light to moderate precipitation throughout the county and a few inches of snow above 6,500 feet are likely late Tuesday night.

The rainfall will probably start just before midnight or shortly after, said NWS meteorologist Greg Martin.

Forecasters refrained from predicting exactly when the second storm would arrive. But from late Thursday through Saturday, the snow levels could fall to between 4,000 and 4,500 feet, and more rainfall is expected elsewhere in the county.

Wind advisories will be issued for the mountains and deserts.

“The winds will make driving difficult, especially for motorists with high-profile vehicles,” a NWS advisory said. “Watch for broken tree limbs and downed power lines.”

Drier, warmer weather is expected to return to the region Sunday.

– City News Service