Focusing on the shorter term…the holiday weekend will be breezy with highs primarily in the low 60s at resort levels.  Gradient driven afternoon and evening breezes will kick up each afternoon with gusts in the 30-35MPH range. Night time lows will be in the 30s. There will be a good shot of precipitation that comes into the Sierra Monday night that will continue through at least midnight. Both Tioga and Sonora passes are in Jeopardy for closing for a day or two with snowfall  3 to 4 inches possible over night.  For those that are coming over the passes for the holiday and must return that way, you may want to plan your exit no later then mid afternoon Monday to be sure.  Monday will be windier as well.  As a point of thought, travel conditions at this time are not expected to be a problem for those heading south from Mammoth Lakes Monday on highway 395 through the Owens Valley. 

 

Discussion:

Upper 500mb heights remain below normal over the pacific northwest as a long wave trof remains parked their. The Trof will remain stationery into next week as it is blocked by a strong ridge over Northern Canada. Dry and stable weather is the word Friday with gradient driven wind developing again this afternoon and evening. It will be a warmer day today Friday as compared to yesterday.

A stronger system will move underneath the long wave into California Monday. Moisture that increases over the Northern Sierra Sunday will move south into the Central and Southern Sierra Monday into Tuesday. This system has much lower heights, better moisture and a chillier cold pool associated with it. This may be as mentioned a few days ago….”Winters last gasp!”

Longer range:

The longer range week 2 is still a bit unsettled as shown by the GFSX with a weaker systems, but non the less can deliver wind and scattered light showers. The ECMWF shows the distinct regression of the westerly’s to the north during the first week of June. Therefore the 2nd and 3rd week of June still look warmer then normal. 

 

The Dweeber……………………..:-)