Near normal temperatures today, then warmer weather returns through the remainder of the week. Cooler with a chance of rain this weekend.
Discussion
Mostly clear skies cover interior NorCal early this morning. Some high clouds will begin to spread across the area during the early morning hours as the offshore short-wave approaches. IR difference imagery shows some stratus along the coast, but much less extensive compared to early Sunday as the marine layer has deepened and mixed somewhat.
We may see low clouds in the valley and foothills again early this morning, but they are expected to be more patchy.
The active Pacific frontal system over the eastern Pacific (quite a bit of lightning occurring presently along the boundary) will continue to progress towards the West Coast today, and partly cloudy skies will be possible.
Onshore flow will slacken and high temperatures will be a bit warmer. Ensembles are in good agreement the system will close off this evening and then drift south to well off the SoCal coast Tuesday through Thursday.
This will allow high pressure to rebuild over NorCal bringing a return of clear skies and warmer temperatures by mid-week. Warmest temperatures will return to the mid 80s to mid 90s across the Central Valley Wednesday and Thursday.
Extended Discussion (Friday through Monday)
Models suggesting pattern change in the extended as blocking ridge breaks down allowing Pacific frontal system to move into interior NorCal Saturday. Model differences exist with strength of system and NBM leaning towards wetter EC solution. Overall precipitation amounts look light with best chances of precip over the northern and eastern foothills and mountains Saturday.
Ridge builds in Sunday with some associated gusty northerly wind possible. Forecast uncertainty increases late Sunday into Monday with precip potential of next system.