Across Northern CA and Oregon:
A moderately potent system is expected to impact the Northwest, especially northern California and Oregon, on Wednesday and Thursday. This system will bring moderate to heavy rainfall, mountain snow, and gusty winds to the area.
Overall Forecast:
In the mid and upper levels of the atmosphere, an approaching trough is expected to push closer, eventually reaching the Oregon coast by Wednesday. At the same time, a surface warm front is expected to push northward from northern California into Oregon overnight tonight. This will initiate snow in the mountains at elevations around 5500 ft as the front pushes northward through the area. Then, an occluded front is expected to sweep through northern California from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, moving through western portions of Oregon from west to east. As it does, it will bring somewhat deep moisture along with the trough, resulting in widespread rain and mountain snow across the area. As the front starts to push in, snow levels will be around 4500 ft, dropping to between 3500 and 3200 ft behind the front, depending on the concentration of the cooler air mass. Mountain snow will continue through Thursday with remnant moisture and a westerly flow lifting against the mountains. For more updates on the hourly forecast and further details on the timing, check below.