Dec. 21—While a series of atmospheric rivers are expected to land in Northern California this weekend, forecasters are saying that San Joaquin County may not be drenched until early next week. Katrina Hand, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Sacramento Office, said the majority of the precipitation anticipated Saturday will be seen north of Interstate 80.
“We’re expecting to get a quarter-inch or less of rain for Sacramento and southward,” she said. “As we move into early next week, there will be about half an inch to an inch and a half of rain for the northern San Joaquin Valley Monday or Tuesday.”
An atmospheric river is a flowing column of condensed water vapor in the atmosphere that’s responsible for producing significant amounts of rain and snow.
The NWS said Lodi would experience showers today likely before 2 p.m., and temperatures will be in the high 50s.
There’s a 40% chance of showers Saturday night, primarily after 10 p.m. with temperatures dipping to the low 50s.
On Sunday, there’s a 50% chance of showers before 10 a.m. , and temperatures will be in the low 60s with mostly cloudy skies. More rain is expected Sunday night.
Monday will be mostly cloudy with temperatures in the mid-60s, and rain is again expected after 10 p.m.
Showers are forecast to hit the area before 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but Christmas Day will be partly sunny with temperatures in the mid 50s.
More showers will be likely on Dec. 26, the NWS said.