January 29, 2020 – Dry conditions with above average temperatures through the remainder of the week. Precipitation chances may briefly return late this weekend for the mountains.
Discussion
Other than a few high clouds spilling over the eastern Pacific ridge into NorCal, satellite imagery shows mostly clear skies across the region early this morning with some areas of patchy valley fog. Light northerly winds are developing through the Central Valley as the north surface pressure gradient tightens a bit, and this is pushing developing fog southward and limiting the main areas to along the eastern edge of the valley. Current temperatures are colder compared to 24 hours ago and range from the upper teens to mid 30s in the mountains to the upper 30s and 40s through the valley.
Strong ridging builds across NorCal into the weekend resulting in dry and unseasonably mild temperatures the next several days. Highs Thursday and Friday may be as much as 10-15 degrees above average for the end of January.
Other than an increase in clouds later today and tonight as the tail end of another weather system moving into the PacNW moves overhead, skies will be mostly clear across the region heading into the weekend. Locally breezy north to northeast winds are expected today as pressure gradients briefly tighten behind yesterday’s system.
Extended Discussion (Sunday through Wednesday)
Weak Pacific frontal system moves through Interior NorCal Sunday into early Monday. Some light precipitation is possible, mainly over the mountains and possibly northern portions of the Sacramento Valley. High amplitude ridging follows inland Monday and looks to persist through next week resulting in drier weather with above normal temperatures. Breezy northerly wind forecast over portions of Interior NorCal Monday into Tuesday.