Muggy, slightly cooler and a chance of sprinkles

August 4, 2017 – Scattered morning showers and sprinkles with isolated thunderstorms possible this morning in the foothills and valley then afternoon showers and thunderstorms over higher terrain. A little cooler this weekend and next week but still slightly warmer than average with continued unsettled weather over the interior.

Discussion

Moisture continues to spread over the region from the southeast. Showers and isolated thunderstorms have continued overnight from around Sacramento County southward and this pattern looks to continue in the same general area through the morning with a few isolated thunderstorms. Clouds will continue to spread over the region today and into Saturday before gradually spreading back towards the east. Cloud cover will help to cool the interior a little today but also help to keep us warmer than normal for Saturday morning. Afternoon thunderstorms will be possible again over higher terrain.

Have added a slight chances of showers for late tonight into Saturday morning along the western slopes and upper Motherlode areas northward into the northeast foothills. A few isolated thunderstorms may occur but in general do not expect too many cloud to ground strikes at this time.

A low pressure area that moves over the northwest area of the state Saturday night into Sunday may bring some more nocturnal activity along the crest and over the northern areas. The low will linger over the region into the middle of next week and precipitable waters will remain high. Thunderstorms at least in the mid to higher mountain elevations should contain decent rainfall with them. Some adjustments in areal coverage will likely occur each day while in this pattern into the middle of next week.

Extended discussion (Tuesday through Friday)

A weak upper level low lingers over northern California through the extended period bringing in some monsoonal moisture. This will bring slight chances of showers over the higher mountains. Temperatures expected to remain consistently several degrees above of normal, though there will be enough onshore flow to keep overnight temperatures relatively cool in the valley.