A mysterious weather system is poised to bring a series of storms to California, causing unexpected impacts that will unfold into the coming week, according to meteorologists at AccuWeather. The initial storm is forecasted to be relatively weak as it moves inland on Saturday. While this storm is expected to primarily affect the middle levels of the atmosphere, it will still have enough influence to dampen offshore winds, lower temperatures, and usher in intermittent showers alongside cloud cover.
Even in areas where precipitation from the first storm may be limited, temperatures are projected to drop significantly on Saturday, with a cooling range of 10-20 degrees compared to the earlier days of the week. Subsequently, a more organized storm, carrying higher moisture levels, is anticipated to sweep in from the Pacific over the weekend and persist through early next week.
Given that the atmosphere will have been somewhat moistened by the initial storm, rainfall across the state is expected to be more widespread, with potential snowfall in the elevated regions of the Sierra Nevada as the second storm takes hold. The increased precipitation in the northern and central parts of California is likely to result in gentle runoff and the formation of puddles, while coastal areas in Southern California may experience intermittent wetting of the ground from Sunday afternoon into early Monday.
With the Academy Awards set to take place in Hollywood on Sunday afternoon, attendees and visitors may need to prepare for inclement weather by carrying umbrellas or rain gear, as showers are predicted to intensify. There is even a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms developing during the afternoon and evening hours on Sunday, potentially accompanied by lightning strikes and localized heavy downpours in coastal Southern California.
Up to several inches of snowfall are anticipated in the Sierra Nevada, raising concerns about slippery conditions on mountain passes. The region’s short-term drought conditions have been exacerbated by a lack of substantial rain since the onset of the current water year on October 1. Downtown Los Angeles, for instance, has received only half of its usual rainfall, registering 5.52 inches compared to the average 10.52 inches by early October.
Despite the looming drought in Southern California, the state’s water supply remains stable, bolstered by sufficient groundwater reserves and ample water levels in most reservoirs. Snow cover in the northern and central Sierra Nevada regions remains on par with historical averages, although the southern part of the state is experiencing deficits. Nevertheless, the dry conditions of brush and topsoil underscore the critical need for any non-flooding rainfall to alleviate the looming wildfire risk.
Looking ahead, there are indications of another storm system potentially targeting the state later in the week. For enhanced safety and ad-free weather content, subscribers can access advanced and hyperlocal severe weather alerts through the AccuWeather app’s Premium+ subscription, providing timely notifications curated by expert meteorologists dedicated to monitoring and analyzing hazardous weather threats around the clock for the utmost protection of individuals and families.
