SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — After several weeks of dry weather, the start of spring will bring rain showers throughout California this week, forecasters said Monday.
The storms will not be as significant as those in January and February, which dropped enough rain and snow in the state to end a five-year drought.
Three storms will visit the northern region through the weekend, the National Weather Service said. Windy conditions are expected Monday, increasing Tuesday.
The early systems will bring up to 3 inches in the North Bay with less than an inch expected in most parts of the San Francisco Bay Area. The spring storms could dump up to 2 inches in the Santa Cruz mountains with potential flooding when the third system moves in Friday.
Two storm systems will impact the southern region of the state starting Tuesday, the weather service predicted.
Thunderstorms are possible mainly north of Santa Barbara on Tuesday. Widespread showers, thunderstorms, and highly variable rain amounts and intensities will follow through Wednesday as the storm center moves through the state.
Any thunderstorm could result in minor mud and debris flows in recent burn areas, as well as lightning hazards for outdoor activities including beach areas.
Thursday should be dry, but a second system should bring rain to the region Friday night and Saturday.