October 8, 2018 – Breezy to locally windy conditions continue today, but not as strong as Sunday. Temperatures remaining near average over the next week.
Discussion
Northerly winds continue across the region early this morning, though not as breezy compared to 24 hours ago. The MFR-SAC gradient is still around 9 mbs (down about 2 mbs from 24 hours ago) while the RNO-SAC gradient is up to 6 mbs. The KDAX VWP indicates a deep layer of 40-50 kt northerly winds above the surface. Local gusts of 20-35 mph still being reported in the foothills and mountains with lighter winds through the Central Valley.
Breezy conditions will continue today, but not as strong as Sunday. Winds will pick again by mid to late morning as mixing takes hold. Dry weather expected through the week, though a system moving over the eastern Pacific ridge is forecast to drop down from the north on Wednesday bringing a few showers to the crest of the northern Sierra Nevada. Temperatures will be close to average the next few days, then are expected to cool slightly by mid-week.
Extended Discussion (Friday through Monday)
Upper shortwave trough shifts south of the forecast area by Friday leaving Norcal under building ridge. This ridge is expected to amplify then move over the west coast through the extended period, Therefore, extended forecast looks dry. Daytime temperatures should warm through the end of the week as the upper ridge axis centers over the west coast with a slight cooling trend going into early next week as the ridge axis shifts east of the region. This will put daytimes highs at the end of the week a few degrees above normal with a drop to near or just a bit above normal by next Monday. This Friday may see some breezy north winds as the shortwave shifts south of the area but winds become more light and variable as the upper ridge axis moves over the west coast next weekend.