As the summer heat continues to grip Northern California, Sacramento braces itself for a stretch of sweltering days ahead. The National Weather Service in Sacramento warns of a "Moderate to Major HeatRisk" for the Valley, Delta, and Foothills from today through Friday, with the mercury expected to soar into treble-digit territory. A Heat Advisory has been issued, urging residents to stay hydrated and cool as the region experiences rapid warming.
According to the National Weather Service, the temperatures are a result of upper-level ridging which will "raise our heights and subsidence aloft," perpetuating dry conditions. With probabilities of reaching or surpassing 100 degrees sitting between "60-100% tomorrow and Thursday, and 60-90% on Friday," this could mark one of the more intense heatwaves of the year. Residents are particularly cautioned about the elevated fire weather conditions this weather pattern brings.
Relief may be on the horizon as the extended forecast indicates a gradual cooling trend beginning Saturday, though the northern Sacramento Valley might still experience triple-digit temperatures. The weekend is poised to bring "chances of mountain showers and thunderstorms," particularly over the Sierra Crest according to the National Weather Service discussion. Nonetheless, the threat of wildfires remains a concern as low humidity persists through Friday.
Looking ahead, next week promises more comfortable conditions. The National Weather Service projection sees onshore flow intensifying, thanks to offshore troughing, which should lead to "locally breezy to gusty conditions," along with an uptick in humidity. While there's some uncertainty in the forecast models, the consensus is that temperatures in the Valley, and Delta, will settle into the more bearable mid to upper 80s.
As the region prepares for the heat, aviation interests can expect "VFR conditions over interior NorCal next 24 hrs," with some local northerly gusts during the day, as per National Weather Service. These conditions, minimal as they seem, could have knock-on effects for fire suppression efforts should new incidents arise. For now, the focus remains on the pressing heat and its challenges, keeping emergency services and the public vigilant.
