SOUTH LAKE TAHOE ” Ridge top winds are expected to be in the 80 to 100 mph range today. Temperatures are forecast to be quite mild today and Tuesday under this southwest flow pattern.

Highs today will reach into the mid 50s under partly cloudy skies or about 12 to 15 degrees above the seasonal normal for early December. A narrow band of subtropical moisture will sag across the Lake Tahoe area late tonight into Tuesday morning with some light rain showers or sprinkles possible.

Snow levels are forecast to be above 8,500 feet with little if any accumulations expected. Low temperatures tonight are forecast to be well above normal in the mid 30s to lower 40s held up by cloud cover and winds. Mild temperatures will continue into Tuesday afternoon with highs in the mid 50s with cloudy and breezy conditions.

Longer-range forecast models are coming into better agreement with the next storm system projected to bring rain to the Tahoe area late Thursday and a good chance of snow by Friday. Stay tuned to see if this storm will bring a significant amount of snow to area ski resorts.