Latest short term guidance continues the trend of higher heights over California. Strong inversions aided by clearing skies and radiational cooling over night sent low temps as cold as -17F at the Mammoth AP at 7:00am. That was more than 30 degree colder than the previous morning. Thus….the inversion was definitely stronger this morning over yesterday. Expect high temps throughout the high country valleys to remain much colder then elevation 8000. Possibly only in the teens today at the Mammoth AP.

Heights will rise into the mid 570s by early Thursday morning with surface pressures reaching 1030MB. No doubt it will be another very cold night tonight in those same high elevation valleys.

The next change in the pattern takes place this weekend as an approaching short wave flattens the upper ridge that is currently building over the state. That system will act as a kicker and boot the current cut off low now west of LA drifting southward……then east across northern Baja as a short wave ridge comes through Central California. The storm itself is an inside slider type system with no over water trajectory at our latitude and is headed toward the Rockies. I expect breezy to windy weather Saturday into Sunday with cooling the same period. There may be some snow showers along the eastern slopes Saturday night or Sunday.  

Longer Range:   The trend of the long range is for an increase of the amplitude of the long wave upper ridge about 130west. This is a dry pattern for the Eastern Sierra.  Cold Arctic Air will invade the Rockies and Midwest then eastward with some spilling into the Great Basin. Most of it should stay east of Mammoth.  So temps next week could be a bit below normal for January. Easterly wind over the upper elevations is a possibility.

The Dweebs are now looking at an extended period of dry weather for the high country for a week….possibly two.  All longer range models have now  for the time being, given up on the idea of a moist westerly flow into California.  If that should change….I will definitely give you all plenty of notice. Additionally, there is always the possibility that one of these fridged air masses could drop down over the far west for a “Mammoth Cold Wave” about mid month….


PS.

No Update Wednesday…..I will update late Thursday if I can…..

Enjoy the fair weather and all the great snow!!!!!


Dr Howard and the Dweebs……………………………………..:-)

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Reference Glossary of Weather Terms
Disclaimer: I have been a hobbyist meteorologist for over 30 years here in the Mammoth area and I do this for my personal enjoyment. The National Weather Service saves lives every day . . . I do not. When making important planning decisions please use information provided by the National Weather Service as they are the most knowledgeable and accurate information source available today.