February 5, 2018 – Dry and mild for the next week with above average daytime temperatures.
Discussion
Blocking ridge remains in place over the eastern Pacific keeping the storm track well to the north of the region. A short-wave will drop south into the Great Basin into Tuesday. This will cool temperatures slightly compared to the past weekend, but daytime highs will still be well above average. Breezy north winds will increase through the Central Valley into mid-week, and as conditions continue dry out, valley fog will be very limited the next several mornings. Temperatures trend back up several degrees beginning Wednesday as ridging re-strengthens over the area.
Extended discussion (Friday through Monday)
Warm and dry weather is expected to continue for the long term forecast period as high pressure remains the dominate weather feature across northern California. The main forecast concern would be Saturday as a quick moving upper level disturbance slides through California Saturday into Sunday and an associated surface pressure gradient develops across the valley for Saturday into Saturday night. Early projections show a 15 mb gradient, which could translate into breezy to gusty winds across the valley in the Saturday afternoon into evening hours. Otherwise, expect high temperatures through early next week to remain between 5 and 15 degrees above normal.