Strong north/east winds will continue this morning and then diminish by afternoon. Continued mild temperatures with dry weather and lighter winds into next week.
Discussion
Strong high pressure ridging is centered off the Oregon coast, while an upper low is centered over the southern California and Mexican border. Strong north and east surface pressure gradients developed Friday and Friday night. The Reno to Sacramento (East to West) gradient peaked at 10.3 mb around 8 pm PST, down to 9.5 mb at 2 am. The Redding to Sacramento (North to South) gradient peaked at 6.0 mb at 7 pm and was 5.7 mb at 3 am. Winds at Fairfield at 3 am were gusting to 48 mph out of the northeast, which was the strongest measured in the Delta area, Marysville was gusting to 37 mph.
Mixing after the sun rises could bring a little more gusting in the Valley before winds weaken with the decreasing gradient.
The Wind Advisory continues until 7 am for the Sacramento Valley and Delta, while the Advisory has been cancelled for the Northern San Joaquin, where winds are generally light. Strongest winds are expected on the far west side of the Sacramento Valley and over the Delta, where a barrier jet is located.
Winds in the mountains were gusting up to 53 mph at Colby Mountain at 3 am, with gusts in the 30s and 40s over the northern Sierra. While winds were at the strongest Friday afternoon and evening, strong gusty winds are possible over higher terrain through the rest of the morning, so the High Wind Warning continues until noon.
Winds will continue to decrease this afternoon and overnight. Impacts associated with the strong winds include the potential for downed trees, particularly in the mountains where the strongest winds are forecast; possible power outages; and difficulty with travel for high-profile vehicles. Furthermore, expect mountain recreation impacts for those planning to hike, ski, and/or snowshoe this morning.
Exercise extreme caution if venturing into forested areas as conditions could be dangerous with the strong winds!
Temperatures will be quite mild today and will reach the upper 60s to lower 70s in the Valley.
Dry, light offshore flow will persist through the weekend and into Monday with above-normal temperatures expected to continue. Temperatures will cool slightly Tuesday as a shortwave drops into the Rocky Mountains and lowers heights some over NorCal.
Extended Discussion (Wednesday through Saturday)
Ensembles and clusters remain in solid agreement with upper level ridging over the West Coast through much of next week. Could see a weak trough approach the West Coast toward the end of the week, as is depicted in the ensemble means and a few clusters.
For now, the National Blend of Models keeps the chance of measurable precipitation at 15 percent or less region-wide through the end of next week.