Bay Area residents can expect a slight respite from the recent heat as temperatures are set to take a dip this weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Sacramento. Forecasts show a cooler trend with gradual warming to start again by the middle of the upcoming week. An increase in humidity and decrease in wind speeds are also expected to help in lowering fire weather risks.
In a recent report, the NWS highlights, "Cooling trend this weekend with gradual warming trend by the middle of next week." Despite the cooler temperatures, smoke and haze from California wildfires remain an issue, particularly affecting the northern Sacramento Valley and adjacent foothills. Residents in these areas should be prepared for potential air quality impacts.
As for the specifics, temperatures have dropped by about 5-15 degrees in comparison to this time 24 hours ago. A weak and dry upper level low pressure system is making its way through the area, aiding in keeping temperatures down by around 10 degrees across the region. Moreover, the influence of onshore flow is bringing gusty conditions to Delta and Sacramento areas.
Looking ahead to next week, the NWS Sacramento forecast predicts that "temperatures starting to rise into the mid 80s to low 90s." A high pressure system developing in the Southern Plains will likely bring heightened temperatures, but the Delta Breeze should help in moderating the heat, maintaining temperatures close to climatological normals.
The extended discussion anticipates the return of triple-digit high temperatures by Wednesday, with the northern Sacramento Valley, particularly the Redding/Red Bluff area, seeing a 10-40% chance of exceeding 100 degrees. Widespread mid to upper 90s are also expected throughout the Central/Southern Sacramento Valleys and Northern San Joaquin Valley later in the week. The NWS notes that while ensembles are in agreement on this warming pattern, it is too early to tell if Sierra Crest will experience any rain showers or storms.
For aviation interests, VFR conditions are expected to continue for the next 24 hours, except for areas where visibility may be reduced to MVFR/IFR levels due to haze and smoke from nearby wildfires. Surface winds in the south to west are anticipated to gust between 15-30 knots, with the west Delta area experiencing the strongest winds.
