FORECAST 17-AUG-12

By: Dennis Mattinson, Weather & Atmospheric Forecaster*
www.easternsierraforecast.com
“Giving you the reasons why Eastern Sierra weather happens.”

FRIDAY August 17, 2012

Things look to juice up today as additional moisture from the south (courtesy from remnants of TS Hector) will been pumped up into the area. The PWATs (Precipitable Water Values) are running at 1.5 inches, showing for a bit better chance of thunderstorms over the mountains this afternoon. Thunderstorm chances should continue into Sunday. Temperatures look to take a slight dip through Tuesday (to only a bit above normal) as troughing off the West Coast begins to make its presence felt. Don’t expect much of a temp reduction though, not until about Wednesday when that trough effects the on-shore flow. So maybe the end of our heat wave is in sight.

Into my office from Cal EMA today:
Abundant lightning through this weekend will cause initial attack to increase over the Sierra and over the mountains and deserts of Southern California. Thunderstorms will be wet, but with the great amount of lightning, the potential for large fire will remain elevated. Fuel moistures will increase significantly over some mountain and desert locations as downpours could bring significant rainfall to some localized areas.

FOR THE OWENS VALLEY:

Today: Becoming partly cloudy; 20% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs 94 – 97 / lows 69. Winds SE 10 mph.
Saturday & Sunday: 20% chance of afternoon showers & thunderstorms. Highs around 92 – 95 / lows 71. Winds SE 5 – 10 mph.

FOR THE TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES:

Today: 30% chance of afternoon & evening thunderstorms. Highs 77 / lows 53. Winds N 5 mph.
Saturday & Sunday: 30% chance of afternoon showers & thunderstorms. Highs 75 / lows 51. Winds S 5 – 15 mph.

FOR MONO COUNTY:

Today: Partly cloudy to mostly cloudy with scattered showers & thunderstorms.  Highs 80 – 90 / lows 43 – 53. Winds SW 5 mph.
Saturday & Sunday: Partly cloudy with a chance of afternoon showers & thunderstorms. Highs 78 -  88 / lows 42 – 52. Winds SE 10 mph.