Dry and mild weather continues. Gusty north to east winds through Wednesday. Lighter winds and above average temperatures late week. Wind Advisory in effect until 6 PM PST Wednesday.
Discussion
Skies have cleared out across interior NorCal as the band of high clouds that had spread into the southern half of the forecast area on Monday has been pushed south by the short-wave dropping south into NorCal. Northerly surface gradient has tightened overnight and MFR to SAC is up to 12.5 mbs.
Northerly wind gusts of 20-30 mph, with a few spots already seeing gusts around 40 mph along the west side of the valley, have developed across most of the Sacramento Valley early this morning. North winds will spread south across the remainder of the Central Valley this morning. The MFR to SAC gradient is forecast to remain around 11-13 mbs today.
The strongest winds will be over the western half of the Sacramento Valley where gusts may exceed 40 mph during the afternoon. The northeast surface gradient is also expected to tighten today as the trough moves south. Northeast wind gusts will pick up in the Sierra today, but the strongest easterly gusts are expected tonight along the crest.
North and east surface gradient will remain tight across the region tonight and Wednesday, and widespread gusty winds will persist.
The Wind Advisory remains in effect until 6 PM Wednesday. Ridging builds into NorCal Thursday and Friday bringing lighter north to east winds and milder temperatures.
Extended Discussion (Saturday through Tuesday)
EPAC high builds into the Western U.S. over the weekend into Monday with offshore flow developing. Locally gusty north to east wind is possible Saturday into early Monday.
Dry weather with above normal high temperatures expected through the extended forecast period. Drying offshore flow will result in strong radiational cooling at night with some patchy morning frost possible in the colder areas of the Central Valley.