February 24, 2020 – Dry weather with above average temperatures and locally breezy northerly winds at times this week.
Discussion
Clear skies across the region early this morning other than a batch of high clouds moving southeast from the Bay Area into central California. The northerly surface pressure gradient has been tightening since Sunday evening and the MFR-SAC gradient is currently up to 7 mbs. A few locations across the foothills of the northern Sacramento Valley are beginning to see gusts in the teens to around 20 mph. Current temps are cooler across most of the area compared to 24 hours ago and generally range from the upper teens to mid 20s in the mountain valleys to the upper 30s and 40s across the Central Valley
Warm and dry weather is expected this week as ridging from the eastern Pacific moves over NorCal. Temperatures will be around 10-20 degrees above average with record or near record highs possible.
Northerly breezes will spread down the Central Valley by mid to late morning as mixing develops. Gusts of around 20-30 mph will be possible along the western edge of the Sacramento Valley. Gradient becomes more easterly tonight and Tuesday with local gusts of 25-35 mph possible in the favored areas of the west slopes of the northern Sierra Nevada. Northerly breezes continue Tuesday, then lighter winds are expected through the remainder of the week.
Extended Discussion (Friday through Monday)
Record to near record high temperatures continues over interior NorCal Friday with mid to upper 70s expected in the Central Valley. Cooling then forecast over the weekend as deep upper troughing moves through. Models differ some with progression of wave but suggest some potential for light precip over the Shasta mountains Saturday night and across mainly the eastern foothills and mountains Sunday. Overall QPF looks to be light attm. Precip chances wind down Sunday night into Monday as the trough digs into the Desert SW and upstream ridging builds over NorCal. Breezy north to east wind expected Monday.