Residents in the Sacramento area can expect the scorcher to continue through today, with temperatures lingering around the triple-digit mark, but relief is on the horizon according to the National Weather Service. While the high pressure system maintains its grip over the region for now, a gradual cooling trend is slated to kick in tomorrow, bringing a welcomed dip in temperatures to more bearable levels early next week.
The dog days of summer are showing no signs of letting up today with a forecast implicating another round of high temperatures, but change, albeit subtle and working its way as much a force of nature as the earth's tilt toward the autumnal equinox, awaits the residents of the Central Valley. "Little overall change is expected today as high pressure holds over the region," the National Weather Service shared in a statement, even as some mid and high clouds begin to drift in but the marine layer remains relatively shallow, hovering at about 1000 feet.
As we move into the latter part of the weekend and onto Monday and Tuesday, the region looks forward to a temperature reprieve. A weak trough moving into Northern California brings a shift in the weather pattern, setting the stage for cooler air and higher levels of humidity to grace the area, dropping temperatures below average, which should come as a relief for many who have been pining for cooler weather.
Come mid to late next week, the weather takes another turn towards moderation; near to below normal temperatures are expected to reign, bringing highs down to low 90s in the valley and 70s to 80s in the mountains and foothills, "Near normal high temperatures expected Wednesday into Thursday, then below normal Friday into Saturday," as forecasted in an extended discussion by the National Weather Service. With a tentative forecast indicating drier conditions to persist, respite from the heat does not seem to imply a boon for precipitation.
Aviation interests should note that VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions are expected to prevail across interior Northern California over the next 24 hours, save for local MVFR (Marginal Visual Flight Rules) conditions that may arise due to haze or smoke from nearby wildfires. Surface winds, for the most part, will blow gently under 12 knots except around the Delta where stronger southwest surface winds of 15-25 knots could be encountered at times.
For the moment, no watches, warnings, or advisories have been issued. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to stay updated on the latest weather conditions and prepare accordingly for the high temperatures before the welcomed cooldown arrives.
