Gusty north winds today. Dry and mild weather through Friday. Next weather system brings rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, high elevation mountain snow, and much cooler temperatures this weekend.
Skies are clear across the region early this morning. Northerly surface pressure gradient is rising (up to about 10 mbs MFR-SAC) in the wake of the short-wave trough passing to the north. So far, gusts have mainly been in the 15-25 mph range along the western half of the Sacramento Valley and adjacent foothills, and KDAX VWP is showing winds now up to 35-40 kts at 1k ft above the surface.
Gusty north winds will peak this morning into the early afternoon as increased mixing develops after daybreak. Gusts of 35-45 mph will be possible, mainly over the western half of the Sacramento Valley affecting Interstate 505 and portions of Interstate 5 to the northwest of Sacramento. A Wind Advisory remains in effect until 5 PM.
Otherwise, dry and mild weather will continue through the remainder of the work week with highs in the Central Valley in the upper 70s to mid 80s, warmest on Friday. Locally breezy north to east winds will be possible each day, but not as strong as today’s.
It’s looking more likely that we’ll see a rapid change back to cool and unsettled weather this weekend as a strong trough digs south into NorCal from the Gulf of Alaska spreading widespread precipitation and high elevation snow across the region Friday night into Saturday. Stay tuned for updates.
Extended Discussion (Sunday through Wednesday)
Lingering mountain showers possible Sunday, otherwise dry weather Sunday into Monday as short wave ridging moves through.
Weak embedded vort maxes progged through interior NorCal Monday into Wednesday in NWly flow aloft. Main threat of showers looks to be in the northern and eastern foothills and mountains.
Gradual warming trend expected through the extended period with highs returning to near or slightly below normal by the middle of next week.