Warming trend with widespread moderate heat risk returning early next week. Late-day thunderstorm chances also return to the Sierra Nevada next week.
Discussion
Clear skies cover interior NorCal early this morning. Onshore surface pressure gradients have picked up a bit compared to early Thursday, but the profiler data indicates the marine layer continues to be compressed and is now only around 1k ft deep.
Current temperatures range from the 60s to mid 70s across the Central Valley, a little warmer at the north end of the Sacramento Valley but little change elsewhere from 24 hours ago.
Seasonably hot weather will continue today and Saturday as the region remains between strong high pressure to our east and a weakening trough off the coast.
An extended period of hot weather is forecast to begin Sunday and continue next week with widespread moderate heat risk returning. Dry weather persists through the weekend, then potential for late-day thunderstorms over the northern Sierra returns early next week as monsoon moisture extends northward.
Extended Discussion (Tuesday through Friday)
Ensembles and clusters are in good agreement for interior NorCal to remain under the influence of high pressure through the extended forecast period resulting in a warming trend. The EFI is highlighting much of the area with a strong signature for above normal daytime and overnight temperatures through Wednesday.
Widespread moderate heat risk with patchy areas of high heat risk in the Valley early to mid-week will be something to keep an eye on.
A an area of low pressure may develop off the coast, bringing slight relief in temperatures Thursday onward, however, some Valley locations will still remain in the triple digits.
In addition to hot temperatures, another surge of monsoonal moisture will bring chances for showers and thunderstorms back to the Sierra through Thursday.