Dry weather with milder temperatures today. Another weather system will brush by to the east later Wednesday bringing a few showers to the northern Sierra. North to east winds return Thursday.
Discussion
Other than a few high clouds moving down from the north, skies are clear across the region early this morning. Surface pressure gradient has eased a bit since Monday, but local north to east wind gusts of 15-25 mph continue in the foothills and mountains. Current temperatures range from the upper 30s to mid 40s across the Central Valley with the mildest readings occurring where north wind lingers. Northerly winds won’t be as gusty today as ridging rebuilds a bit ahead of the next short-wave dropping down from the north (currently over northern BC).
Highs today may inch up a few degrees compared to Monday. The upstream short-wave will move south into the PacNW on Wednesday, then into the Great Basin on Wednesday night into Thursday. NorCal will be on the western fringe of this feature, and the northern Sierra may see a few light showers Wednesday night.
Otherwise, the main impact from the system will be to see a renewed increase in north to east winds on Thursday as surface pressure gradients tighten in its wake. We’ll continue to monitor trends.
Winds will remain breezy Thursday night, especially in the Sierra and along the western edge of the Central Valley, but will subside on Friday as gradients relax. Temperatures will also begin to rebound Friday with highs returning to the lower to mid 70s across much of the Central Valley.
Extended Discussion (Saturday through Tuesday)
Dry Saturday as upper level ridge moves through. Weakening frontal system progged to track through Saturday night into Sunday morning. Threat of some light showers over the northern third of the CWA at that time. Drier conditions develop Sunday afternoon into early Monday as upper level ridging progresses through.
Models in good agreement with a significantly wetter Pacific frontal system bringing more widespread precipitation chances Monday night into Tuesday.