Dry weather continues through the forecast period. Breezy north to east winds are expected Friday into Saturday, with the potential for locally strong gusts for Sierra ridges.
Discussion
Strong upper high over the Eastern Pacific will dominate the Northern California weather through the week with dry weather and warming temperatures. Afternoon highs will generally be from the low 60’s and upper 60’s. A disturbance will drop south around the high into the Great Basin Region Friday and Saturday. This system will tighten the pressure gradient over NorCal with gusty north winds developing down the Sacramento Valley and gusty east winds down the Sierra into the foothills.
Gusts from 30 to 35 mph will be possible in the Valley up to 50 mph possible Sierra and foothills. Ensembles have trended a bit farther west with this system with an increase in wind confidence and speeds, especially over the Sierra south of Interstate 80. This could blow unsecured items and make driving of high profile vehicles difficulty.
The EFI is showing a signature for unusually strong winds over the Sierra and gusts up to 50-60 mph are possible over Sierra ridges. These gusts could impact outdoor winter recreation Friday afternoon through Saturday. The wind could down fire weakened branches and trees.
Local power outages are a possibility. Winds will diminish some on Saturday, but still remain on the breezy side, lighter winds expected Sunday.
Extended discussion (Monday through Thursday)
EPAC High remains the dominant synoptic feature through the extended forecast period. This will result in continued dry weather with above normal high temperatures. Some patchy night and morning fog possible in the Southern Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys.