Decreasing winds this morning, light Sierra showers Thursday

March 24, 2021 – Mostly dry weather this week with a few light mountain showers Thursday. Noticeably warmer temperatures expected by this weekend. Winds over the Sierra decreasing early this morning.

Discussion

Winds over the mountains will continue to decrease this morning, noticeably after 5 to 6 am for the few windy spots left. Winds in the mountains peaked most locations between 10 pm and midnight. Wind direction will be reversing itself late this morning for the western slopes and this afternoon in the valley. Temperatures will warmer today with highs in the valley around 70 degrees, 60s foothills, 40s and 50s mountains.

Another weak inside slider type of system will move through the region Wednesday night through Thursday night. This may bring some light amounts of precipitation to the foothills and mountains with the valley expected to remain dry. The best chances of any precipitation will be over the western slopes due to orographic enhancement. Maybe some local 1-2 inch snow amounts over the higher elevations will be possible.

Slight cooling Thursday then warmer Friday with highs for the valley mostly in the mid 70s. Northerly winds return but much weaker than this current event with sustained winds in the valley generally between 10 and 20 mph with some higher gusts.

High pressure will continue to build on Saturday with highs well into the 70s for the valley and around 80 degrees for the far north end of the valley. Mountains will mainly warm into the 50s and 60s.

Extended discussion (Sunday through Wednesday)

Continued above normal temperatures for Sunday under the ridge of high pressure with temperatures similar to Saturdays. Monday temperatures will cool a little due to a trough passing by the region to the north and maybe bringing a few showers near the California/Oregon border.

Behind the trough winds will increase again Monday night into Tuesday before subsiding Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Breezy to windy conditions look possible at this time. The valley could see temperatures in the 80s next Wednesday as high pressure builds over the region.