July 1, 2020 – Temperatures around seasonal averages this week, with a quiet, dry pattern continuing.
Discussion
Upper level pattern continues to have the area sandwiched between eastern Pacific ridging and broad troughing across the Intermountain West. Light northerly winds are present across the northern Sacramento Valley this morning, with onshore flow further to the south. Little change in the weather is expected across the area for today. Temperatures in areas influenced by the Delta Breeze will remain a little lower than yesterday, while the rest of the area will be a little warmer. Valley highs in the low to mid 90s are about normal for this time of year. A somewhat stronger Delta breeze will add some more cooling Thursday and Friday.
Saturday (Independence Day) looks to be the warmest day of the week. Will it be “as hot as the 4th of July”? Records for the date are 110 at downtown Sacramento (normal 92), 114 at Redding (normal 96), 110 at Modesto (normal 94). It looks like highs will be closer to normal levels, maybe 1-5 degrees above. So expect mid to upper 90s for the 4th in the Valley!
Extended Discussion (Sunday through Wednesday)
General flat pattern with a trend to weak troughing early next week will keep temperatures close to seasonal averages through the extended period; then, slightly below normal by the middle of next week. Valley highs will be in the mid to upper 90s Sunday into Monday, then gradually cooling into the low to mid 90s by the middle of next week. A dry weather pattern will continue.