Residents across the Sacramento area can look forward to slightly warmer days ahead, as the National Weather Service in Sacramento has forecasted a gradual rise in temperature moving into the week. According to an early morning report by the NWS, an upper level trough that has kept temperatures below normal begins to give way to a more westerly flow tomorrow. This shift is anticipated to disperse some of the smoke and haze from ongoing California wildfires, particularly affecting the northern Sacramento Valley and adjacent foothills. Breezy conditions can be expected later on in the day, especially in the Delta region.
The reprieve from the searing summer heat won’t last long. The NWS report suggests that temperatures could climb, with Northern Sacramento Valley cities facing a 40-80% probability of hitting or surpassing the 100-degree mark by Wednesday. HeatRisk levels are projected to be minor to major, but officials are reassured by overnight low temperatures providing ample cool-downs. Come Thursday, even as the high-pressure ridge strengthens and triple digits become widespread, whispers of mountain showers and thunderstorms sneak into the forecast.
As Friday rolls in, and stretching into the following week, the typically experienced hot summer weather will become the status quo, with triple digit days predicted to be widespread. The persistence of the Four Corner's ridge seems to set the stage for these temperatures to continue. The forecast, meanwhile, points to a continued chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms in the northern Sierra as monsoonal moisture rides the ridge's edge northwards.
Travelers and locals alike should also expect general VFR conditions around airports, but the presence of haze and smoke in the vicinity of wildfires may occasionally reduce visibility, resulting in areas of MVFR. As stated by the NWS, delta regions could see "local south to west surface wind gusts 15-20 kts 22Z thru about 02Z Tuesday," which should be taken into account for flight planning and outdoor activities.
