Finally signs of winter in the Lake Tahoe weather forecast

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The weather patterns in the Sierra will finally be changing to a more seasonal pattern of cooler temperatures and snow (yes, that word "snow"). Snowfall is possible for all elevations on Thursday with much colder temperatures into next weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

High pressure will continue to retrograde westward over the Pacific which will allow weather systems to affect our region through at least mid-month. After this week's storms look for another system early next week.

The breakdown of high pressure breaks down bringing unsettled weather starting with a fast-moving weather system that will bring light showers Monday night with very light snowfall accumulations possible in the Sierra. A more potent storm will bring an increased chance for snow Wednesday night into Thursday.

Monday night: a weak system may bring very light snowfall accumulations to the higher elevations of Mono and Alpine counties, including the passes along Highway 395.

A cold storm will drop into the region Thursday with snow levels dropping to all valley floors. Accumulating snow is highly likely (70 percent chance) for all elevations of western Nevada and the Sierra, however, there are still variations in the exact timing and totals, according to NWS Reno.

Much colder conditions will follow with high temperatures anticipated to only be in the 30s on Friday and brisk northwest wind gusts of 15-25 mph making it feel even colder. Overnight lows Friday night will drop into the teens and single digits across the region, with below zero temperatures in the colder valleys.

Travel disruptions are a good bet and may impact peak commuting times on Thursday. As with any travel, know the conditions before you go - California roads and Nevada roads.

The weekly forecast for South Lake Tahoe from NWS Reno:

Monday - A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Snow level 7800 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Monday Night - A chance of rain showers before 1am, then a chance of rain
and snow showers. Snow level 7100 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.

Tuesday - Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 47. East wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night - Increasing clouds, with a low around 30. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph after midnight.

Wednesday - Partly sunny, with a high near 43.

Wednesday Night - A slight chance of rain and snow before 10pm, then snow. Increasing clouds, with a low around 30.

Thursday - Snow, mainly before 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33.

Thursday Night - A chance of snow before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Friday - Sunny, with a high near 28.

Friday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Saturday - Sunny, with a high near 38.

Saturday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Sunday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.