April 20, 2020 – Chance of showers today over the mountains, foothills and across the northern Sacramento Valley. Dry through the remainder of the week except a chance of showers again across the northern mountains on Wednesday. Warming trend begins Tuesday with breezy northerly wind expected Thursday and Friday.
Discussion
Mostly cloudy skies cover the region early this morning as a weak weather system drops south off the coast. Radar currently shows mainly light returns along the coast. Current temperatures range from the upper 20s in the colder mountain valleys to the upper 40s and 50s across the Central Valley.
The initial vort to the southwest of the Bay Area will give way to a stronger short-wave as it slides southeast into central and southern California later today and tonight. Showers later today are expected mainly over the higher terrain, with perhaps a few occurring across the northern Sacramento Valley.
Dry and milder weather is forecast for the remainder of the week except for a chance of light warm-advection precipitation across the mountains of northern Shasta County on Wednesday. Highs will warm to around 10-15 degrees above average by Thursday.
Extended Discussion (Friday through Monday)
Upper ridging continues to be dominant synoptic feature through the extended forecast period. This will result in dry weather with high temperatures around 10 to 15 degrees above normal. Breezy northerly wind persists into Friday. Ridging possibly weakens slightly over the weekend as several short wave troughs move through the PacNW. Minor cooling may result, however daytime temperatures remain well above normal through day 7.