No break in weather this week

"Could we just have one day of sunshine and blue skies?”

This cry - and others of the same nature - has been heard from several Mid-Valley residents over the last two weeks or so, as they dash from errand to errand covering their heads and jumping puddles.

Unfortunately, there won't be a happy ending - at least this week.

The National Weather Service has forecast an 80 percent-plus chance of rain today, which may actually come in at an angle as the falling drops are expected to be accompanied by a 13 mph southeast wind. The Weather Service said the wind and rain are expected to continue through the night.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are predicted to be mostly cloudy with chances of rain.

The National Weather Service declared a flood watch, effective this afternoon through Wednesday morning, for smaller rivers and streams in the northern Sacramento Valley.

“A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts,” the Weather Service said. “Heavy rain will move into the area by (this) afternoon and continue into Wednesday afternoon. ... Heavy rain may cause rapid rises in small rivers and streams.”

The Weather Service recommends that area residents monitor the latest weather reports and stay alert for flood warnings, especially those living in lower areas prone to flooding.

The weekend probably won't offer a break from the moisture, as meteorologists predict both Saturday and Sunday will be mostly cloudy with moderate chances of rain.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Kymm Mann can be reached at 749-4707 or kmann@appeal-democrat.com.