The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a forecast indicating a shift in the weather pattern for Northern California as we dive into the mid-week. According to the latest report of NWS, cooler temperatures and the possibility of showers and thunderstorms are on the horizon through Wednesday, with a return to dry and warmer conditions expected later in the week.
Early birds in the far northern regions of the state may have noticed clouds and isolated light showers kicking off the day, while their southern counterparts kept clear skies and midseason warmth. “The HREF shows the best potential for showers and thunderstorms over northern portions of the Coast Range up into Shasta County later today,” the NWS forecast detailed, hinting at pockets of moisture and instability gathering force in the valley ahead of an offshore trough. Meanwhile, shower chances are likely to expand their reach, along with potential light snowfall over the higher Sierra elevations, though recent balminess suggests roads may be spared from snowy buildups.
The expected rainfall, while not excessive, could tally up to a quarter of an inch generally but may hit half an inch in mountainous locales, particularly if thunderstorms in the Coast Range and Shasta County decide to make a more dramatic entrance.
A brief lull in precipitation is anticipated Monday into Tuesday, before another system strides down from the north midweek, upping the ante once more for showers and thunderstorm activity. But sweater weather won’t last long as forecasts point to a significant warming trend approaching the weekend. "Highs expected to be near to slightly above normal by Sunday," the National Weather Service comments, pointing to the silver lining for those favoring brighter, sunnier days.
For travelers and pilots navigating the Californian skies, VFR conditions should remain dominant until around 18z, after which MVFR/IFR conditions will blanket the northern interior and mountains. Those in and around the Central Valley can anticipate southerly surface winds picking up to 15 knots. The Delta area may see southwest surface winds between 15-25 knots, with possibilities of gusts surging to 35 knots. The National Weather Service advises aviators of isolated thunderstorms north of I-80 post-21z.
No watches or warnings have been declared at this time, but residents and visitors should stay attuned to local updates, particularly if venturing into the more dynamic weather zones to the north and across the elevated terrain.
