Late-Season California Rain to be Welcome Sight

By Jordan Root, Meteorologist

May 14,2015; 11:14PM,EDT

 

 

A late-season storm is set to track through California towards the end of the week will bring showers, thunderstorms and even some snow to the drought-stricken state.
The state, which has been dealing with dangerous drought conditions over the past few years, is now coming out of the rainy season which produced very little rain. Snowfall was well below average again this past winter as well.
"Rain and snow this time of the year does not happen too often and it will be nice to see some," said AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Ken Clark.
A vigorous upper-level area of low pressure will dip down into California through the end of the week, helping to produce showers and thunderstorms.

Umbrellas will be needed for those heading outside during their daily routine. Outdoor activities may need to be postponed until a later date to avoid the unsettled weather.
While this storm alone will not put a dent in the drought, every little bit does help.
"Much of central and Southern California will get a quarter to a half of an inch of rain, on average, with locally higher amounts possible," said Clark.
The heaviest and steadiest rain will likely arrive across southern California late Thursday night and continue through Friday.
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According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, around 93 percent of the state is currently classified as being in a severe drought or worse. Around 46 percent currently sits in an exceptional drought, the strongest category given.
A mandatory reduction in water usage is currently in place and has led to water theft across the state.

Jan. 1 to May 1 Percent Normal Rainfall

Location	Percent Normal Rainfall
Los Angeles	25%
San Francisco	27%
San Diego	24%
Fresno	37%
Sacramento	44%

With enough instability, there will be a few thunderstorms on Friday. Isolated gusts and small hail are possible. Those planning on heading to the beach in Southern California will want to keep an eye to the sky.
Motorists will want to keep an eye out for flooded roadways as well. Widespread flooding is not expected, but any isolated downpour could cause streets to fill up rapidly.
While rain falls across most of the state, higher elevations will likely see some snow fall during the two days as colder air sweeps in.
"Snow levels will be the lowest on Friday, between 6,000 and 6,500 feet south and 6,500 to 7,000 feet north," said Clark.
Cooler air will reach the Los Angeles Basin as highs tumble from the low to mid-70s F down into the mid-60s F for the end of the week, about 10 F below average. Below-average temperatures will exist across the rest of the state as well.
As the weekend moves in, the storm system will move out, bringing back the dry weather that has plagued the state. Severe weather and flooding will move into the Plains into the weekend.