April 9, 2018 – Dry weather continues today, then a couple of weaker Pacific systems bring some precipitation Tuesday through Thursday. Dry weather returns late in the week.
Discussion
Clear skies across most of the area early this morning as upper ridge moves onshore. With strengthening inversions, many valley areas are cooler this morning while the thermal belts are milder. Current temperatures vary from the upper 20s and lower 30s in the mountain valleys to the upper 40s to lower 50s across the Central Valley.
Dry weather continues today, though some high clouds may increase by late in the day. With the ridge transiting, and a little north wind, temperatures will be milder today with highs expected to reach the upper 70s to lower 80s in the valley.
The next weather system will arrive on Tuesday. This system lacks the moisture tap of last week’s storms, and is projected to weaken as it moves inland and runs into the ridge. As such, only light precipitation is expected across the forecast area to about as far south as I-80 by late in the day.
A second system will follow for Wednesday/Wednesday night and is expected to be a little stronger, bringing a bit more rain, mountain snow and breezy winds. A few showers may linger Thursday before tapering off Thursday night.
Extended discussion (Friday through Monday)
Upper ridging moves through Friday into the weekend bringing dry weather with warming temperatures. Models showing next Pac frontal system spreading precip over western portions of the CWA Sunday morning into the afternoon, and across much of Interior NorCal Sunday night into Monday. Large model differences between the EC and GFS with this system with EC showing a significantly deeper trough. Current forecast blends solutions, showing best chances for precip over northern third and eastern foothills and mountains.