August 27, 2018 – Cooler and dry weather expected through this week. Areas of smoke and haze will continue, especially near wildfires.
Discussion
Clear skies across interior NorCal early this morning except for coastal stratus that is extending further inland compared to early Sunday. The marine layer remains around 2k ft deep, but stronger onshore gradients will likely allow stratus to move into portions of the Sacramento region this morning.
Current temperatures range from the 40s in the colder mountain valleys to the mid 50s to mid 60s across the Central Valley. Stronger short-wave presently over eastern Washington will move east through the northern Rockies later today, but a weak trough will continue to linger in its wake across the eastern Pacific and NorCal through the week.
Temperatures will be near to slightly below average much of the week, but some warming will be possible inland on Tuesday as heights/thickness increase slightly and onshore flow temporarily slackens. Smoky conditions will continue near wildfires with hazy conditions elsewhere, especially the northern half of the forecast area.
Extended Discussion (Friday through Monday)
Dry weather will likely continue through the extended period. The GFS hints at a rather progressive pattern, with a shortwave ridge moving through the region on Friday followed by a closed upper low next weekend.
The ECMWF shows a similar evolution, but is 24-48 hours slower than the GFS.
Our temperature forecast is a blend of the two solutions, with temperatures around to slightly cooler than normal.