The National Weather Service Sacramento has reported isolated thunderstorms and light rain over the region, as monsoonal moisture sweeps through. According to the NWS latest forecast discussion, the weather phenomenon is expected to affect the higher terrain through this afternoon, offering a slight reprieve from the searing heat in the valleys.

Residents across the Valley might see some sprinkles through the afternoon, but the real action is reserved for the Sierra, where thunderstorms bear a 20 to 35 percent chance of development. As the moisture plume is chased away by drier air creeping over Southern California, the probabilities of thunderstorms, especially south of HWY 50 along the Sierra Crest, are dimming to a humble 10-20% by tomorrow, making conditions generally more placid.

It's not all calm in the forecast, though. High temperatures are expected to continue tormenting the residents of interior NorCal. The mercury will hover between the high 90s and low 100s in the valley areas, while people at higher elevations can anticipate temperatures spanning the 80s to high 90s. Some foothill locations may even see the thermometer tip into the low triple digits.

And as we peer further into next week, the heat doesn't seem to be releasing its grip. The presence of an upper-level ridge means the above-normal temps are here to stay, with the potential for a moderate HeatRisk rearing its head by Wednesday. As the week progresses, "Thursday into Friday, the ridging pattern broadens further and peaks slightly further east," according to the NWS forecast discussion, allowing for a very modest drop in temperatures—not enough, however, to dismiss the concerns for moderate HeatRisk lingering in some valley locales and foothill nooks.

For those hitting the skies, VFR conditions will dominate interior NorCal for the next 24 hours. Travelers should note that local MVFR conditions due to haze and smoke are possible near the Park Fire. While winds are expected to stay under 12 knots, gusts could ratchet up to 20 knots near the Delta. Aviators will want to stay apprised on the isolated mountain showers and thunderstorms potentially convecting over the next day.