Mostly dry conditions for interior northern California with seasonably warm temperatures continue into next week. Record highs possible next week Thursday and Friday.
Discussion
Mostly clear skies are being observed on satellite early this morning. 2:00 am temperatures are running about 5 degrees cooler in areas that saw low clouds develop yesterday morning, generally the Sacramento metro and San Joaquin Valley. Elsewhere temperatures are about 5-10 degrees warmer especially in areas still seeing lingering northerly winds like the Redding area and western side of the Sacramento Valley.
Seasonably warm weather is expected again today with highs topping out in the upper 70s to low 80s in the Valley and 50s to 60s in the mountains. Ensemble guidance is in agreement shortwave ridging over the region today will shift east tomorrow as a trough makes its way into the Pacific Northwest. NAM3K shows the potential for some very isolated mountain showers possible tomorrow afternoon just south of HWY 50. However, NBM shows little to no chance for measurable precip.
A northerly breeze around 10 to 15 mph with gust up to around 25 mph is also expected Saturday.
By Sunday models are in good agreement westerly flow will increase over northern California as troughing extends down the West Coast and 500 mb heights lower over the region. This will lead to slightly lower temperatures for the start of the week, however forecast highs remain above average for this time of year.
On Monday, western Shasta County and the eastern Coastal Range foothills will see chances for showers with little impacts expected. Currently Redding city is forecast to receive about 0.01-0.05 inches.
Extended Discussion (Tuesday through Friday)
Ensemble guidance is in good agreement large scale ridging will lead to continued dry conditions next week with warming temperatures into next weekend. Highs are forecast to be well above average for this time of year with the warmest days forecast to be Thursday through Saturday. Widespread upper 80s and low 90s are possible in the Valley. New daily high temperature records could also be set Thursday and Friday.