Next Storm to Pack a Punch

Only time for a brief update today. Storm number one has produced some pretty good weather for central and Southern California. Rainfall amounts of 1/2 to 1 inch were common. Parts of the Central Valley have had severe thunderstorms this afternoon producing hail of 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter. Showers will diminish and end early tonight but the next storm will charge east.

The second storm is looking like a bigger precipitation producer than yesterday. The cold front ahead of the main storm brings a few showers from north to south across the state Thursday and Thursday night, reaching the south late Thursday night and early Friday. But by far, the most precipitation comes when the heart of the energy with the upper-level system comes in very late Thursday night and Friday to central California and Friday in the south. Numerous showers are likely with heavy downpours. Thunderstorms are likely as well with thunderstorms containing gusty winds, hail and capable of producing weak funnel clouds.

Snow levels will start out around 5,000 feet central and 5,500 feet in Southern California but drop to 3,500-4,000 feet everywhere on Friday. Look for 1-2 feet of snow at resorts in the central and southern Sierra and 8 to16 inches in the Southern California resorts. Snow will fall at pass level in the south but at least during the day snow will have a hard time accumulating on the roadways.

At the Coachella Music Festival it could even shower once or two, maybe thundershower. It certainly will be a windy, cool day on Friday with winds of 20 to 35 mph and temperatures mostly in the 60s. The normal high this time of year for this festival is 83. If you are going, be prepared for the cool temperatures, wind and even rain. It is not going to be a pleasant day but the weekend is shaping up to be better.