CHICO — A two-day thunderstorm event may continue through Friday evening in the north valley with chance of low elevation snow and lightning strikes, according to a forecast by National Weather Service Sacramento.
The thunderstorm is forecast with a 15-25% chance to produce lighting Friday, according to the weather service. Temperature lows by Friday evening are forecast at 41 degrees in Chico, 41 in Oroville, 39 in Red Bluff and 39 in Paradise.
The current system is forecast to clear up by Saturday, although a lighter system Sunday may bring light precipitation to mountain areas, said Idamis Shoemaker, meterologist for National Weather Service Sacramento.
A statewide storm holds most of its snow impact south of Highway 50, according to the forecast.
Snow levels are forecast at about 2,000-4,000 feet elevation through the evening with a 15-30% chance of eight inches of snow north of Highway 50. Moderate impacts to drivers are expected, including chain controls through mountain passes.
Light accumulations of snow — two to four inches — are possible by early Friday in foothill areas between 2,000-3,000 feet, according to the forecast. Burn scars are not expected to see any debris flow impacts.
The service forecasts temperature highs to climb to around 70 degrees Monday in north valley cities with clear skies to boot.
“We are anticipating drier and warmer conditions as we head into next week,” Shoemaker said.
