Don't get too comfortable in the 70-degree weather. This week brings a reminder of last season's conditions. Despite what the old adage says, March will be going out like a lion.
We have an pretty strong jet stream diving into Northern California over the next few days that will bring a mixed bag of interesting weather our way.
The week starts out rather gloomy, with some rain at times, turning breezy in the daytime Monday and into the evening. The heaviest rain will be in the coastal mountains. The North Bay mountains could see up to an inch of rain while the rest of the Bay Area will be feeling relatively less rainfall -- less than 1/4 inch. Winds will be in the 10-25 mph range. Large swell begins arriving on the coast tonight.
Tuesday looks like a surfer's dream along the coast with a 15-20 foot swell and light to moderate rain at times. It will be breezy and cool with highs in the 50s.
The Sierra will be a mess because of strong winds higher up. They may even get a blizzard warning issued.
On Wednesday there will be increasing wind and increasing rain later. This is the strongest system of the week and will bring very chilly air aloft may drive snow levels into the 2,000 foot range North Bay and near 2,000-3,000 for the South Bay. A low freezing level increases the odds for hail with heavier showers and some thunder possible too. The main event for now looks to be the evening into very early Thursday morning.
By Thursday, snow-capped peaks and scattered showers will be common sights in the Bay Area. There is still a slight risk of thunderstorms if the system lingers on its way toward the southern part of the state.
