Gradual warming trend is expected for the rest of the week with breezy north winds and low humidity expected again on Thursday leading to critical fire weather concerns. Red Flag Warning from 10 AM to 8 PM Thursday for the valley.
Discussion
Radar shows a few light showers occurring across far northern California early this morning as a weak short-wave brushes by to the north. Only a few hundredths of an inch of precipitation have been recorded so far up by the Oregon border. A few light showers will be possible over the mountains of Shasta County and around the Mt Lassen area this morning. A light dusting of snow will be possible over the higher peaks in that area as well.
Short-wave moves east later today and frontal system washes out across NorCal. High temperatures are expected to be similar to Tuesday’s. Surface pressure gradients will tighten again tonight and Thursday resulting in another bout of north winds.
Although not nearly as strong as this most recent system, given the state of the fuel conditions in NorCal there will be some continued fire weather concerns, mainly for the western edge of the Sacramento Valley. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for that area for 10 am to 8 pm Thursday.
Temperatures will gradually warm to a little above average by the weekend.
Extended Discussion (Sunday through Wednesday)
Pacific frontal system progged to move through interior NorCal Sunday into Sunday night.
Model differences exist with strength of system with EC trending wetter, advertising some light QPF possible down to about I-80.
Dry weather returns Monday into Tuesday under upper level ridging. Next Pacific storm approaches late Tuesday, and forecast to spread possible light to moderate precip over much of the CWA Wednesday.