Fourth-driest January, but rain in forecast

Just 0.61 inches of rain fell last month in Santa Rosa, making it the fourth driest January on record.

But February, while still expected to be below normal, should be a bit wetter, starting with two fronts due in later this week, meteorologists said.

Any rain will be a welcome change from January's measly showing, which equaled just one-tenth of the month's average rainfall: 6.08 inches.

Meteorologists said Monday they're predicting the rest of the winter-spring season will continue to be drier and warmer.

"In general across California, it's going to be another rainfall season we don't like to hear about," said Ken Clark, a meteorologist with AccuWeather.

Days like Monday, with a high in Santa Rosa of 72, are unusually warm and bright. The average for Feb. 2 is 60 degrees. The record high for the date is 76.

But change is coming. A storm should reach the South Bay and make its way north sometime late Wednesday or Thursday. By Friday a second storm should arrive in the North Bay.

"It's not flooding rain. It's not a Pineapple Express," Clark said. His best estimate is that perhaps an inch could fall in the North Bay.

"When all is said and done it should be dry through Wednesday with a good chance of rain Thursday and Friday, and it should dry out for the weekend," Clark said.

Some showers may linger through Saturday, he said.

The driest January in Santa Rosa records was during the drought in 1976 when 0.39 inches fell. In January 1921, Santa Rosa received 0.40 inches and in 2007, 0.49 inches.

The wettest January a century ago, 1909, when 18.45 fell in Santa Rosa.

Since the start of the rainfall year in July, Santa Rosa has received 7.28 inches of rain. The average by now is 17.5 inches and last year Santa Rosa had soaked up 20.29 inches.

Getting back to normal totals would mean more than 12 inches falling by the end of February, highly unlikely given the pattern of the year, Clark said.

You can reach Staff Writer Randi Rossmann at 521-5412 or randi.rossmann@pressdemocrat.com.