Dry and mild weather will continue into early next week

March 16, 2019 – Dry and mild weather thru early next week. Precipitation chances return by the middle of next week.

Discussion

Clear skies across the region early this morning as ridging and subsidence take hold. Current temperatures range from the 20s in the mountain valleys to mainly the 40s elsewhere.

Dry weather continues into early next week with milder temperatures. Some high cloudiness will be possible at times. The first 70 degree reading of the year for Sacramento is forecast for today. The mildest temperatures so far this year are expected by Sunday and Monday as upper ridge axis moves overhead. Warmest readings those days are forecast to reach the mid to upper 70s in the Central Valley.

Upstream trough begins to assert itself by Tuesday resulting in an increase in clouds and slightly cooler temperatures. Shower chances return Tuesday night.

Extended Discussion (Wednesday through Saturday)

Upper low to the south of the forecast area will keep a threat of showers over the CWA Wednesday in cyclonic flow. Decreasing threat of showers Thursday as upper ridge moves through. Models then indicate a stronger and wetter storm to impact interior NorCal Friday into the weekend.

This system will have a higher PW moisture plume associated with the baroclinic zone and will likely have a period of moderate to heavy precipitation associated with fropa. Cooling trend expected through the extended forecast period with high temperatures below normal Friday into next weekend.