July 8, 2019 – Cooling trend continues today, then gradual warming the remainder of the week with temperatures returning to slightly above average by the end of the week. Breezy wind at times through the Delta and over the Sierra crest.
Discussion
Clear skies cover the region early this morning except for some patchy stratus working its way inland near KSUU. Current temperatures range from the upper 30s to lower 40s in the mountain valleys, to the mid 50s to lower 60s where the Delta Breeze is robust in the Central Valley, and mid 60s to lower 70s elsewhere across the Central Valley.
Trough weakens across the area today as upstream short-wave ridging approaches by this evening. Profiler data indicate the marine layer depth approaching 3k ft with breezy southerly winds extending inland from the Delta up through the southern half of the Sacramento Valley. IR imagery shows a finger of stratus working its way inland through the Delta, and the Sacramento area may see some patches early in the morning.
Temperatures today will down slightly from Sunday’s readings as onshore gradients tighten again by this afternoon resulting in stronger onshore breezes.
Temperatures are forecast to gradually warm through the remainder of the week beginning Tuesday. By the end of the week, highs will return to slightly above average as the large southwest high pressure area extends westward.
Extended Discussion (Friday through Monday)
An expansive area of high pressure over the southwest US leads to upper ridging across NorCal Friday and Saturday. Dry weather with slightly above normal high temperatures will be seen these days with Valley highs ranging from the mid 90s in the southern Sacramento Valley to the low triple digits in the north.
Weak troughing approaches the coast Saturday night but any precipitation remains well north of the area. Temperatures lower slightly again Sunday and Monday back to near-normal values.