Rain, snow, and wind are about to make their grand entrance in Northern California! Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn dives into the details, revealing when the heaviest showers will hit and when things will start clearing up.
By Heather Waldman , Meteorologist/Climate Reporter
Weather Whirlwind: Northern California’s Forecast
A big shift in one of the most reliable weather forecast models for Northern California has prompted a significant change in the forecast for the region next week.
For the past couple of days, the KCRA 3 weather team has been tracking a potential strong storm fueled by moisture from an atmospheric river. Heavy rain, snow and wind were expected to hit the region on Wednesday, April 2.
As of Friday morning, the American Global Forecast System (GFS) model had removed the storm from Northern California altogether. Because of this change, the KCRA 3 weather team has removed Wednesday’s Alert Day. The forecast for Wednesday now calls for a chance of light rain and high-elevation snow.
Model forecast changes are not unusual, especially more than five days out from an event. At that point in time, forecasters are able to see the potential for a storm but not specific details.
A five to seven days out from a weather event, uncertainty is expected. Typically within five days, meteorologists can start to get a clear picture of possible impacts from a storm.
But Friday’s flip was particularly dramatic and shows a high level of uncertainty in next week’s outcome. Confidence will increase if models continue to show a calmer pattern over the weekend.
Anyone with outdoor plans or plans to travel on Wednesday can proceed with those plans with some caution. There is time for models to reverse on this trend and bring widespread rain back into the picture.
Stay tuned, and enjoy the weather rollercoaster!
