The weather in Sacramento continues to defy the norms as the National Weather Service (NWS) Sacramento persists with a Heat Advisory extending until 11 PM PDT Friday. According to their latest discussion, the Delta, Valley, and adjacent foothills can expect unseasonably hot weather to doggedly persist through the remainder of this week and into the weekend.
In a report published by NWS Sacramento, the area has been experiencing temperatures that have stretched into the high 90s to low 100s, which is well above the usual averages for this time of year. The overnight temperatures, hitting the low 70s, make it feel as if the Valley hasn't witnessed a proper night's cool down. Despite the high temperatures, Friday could finally see a gust of change with the arrival of "gustier westerly winds in portions of the Sierra and southern Cascades," as forecasted by NWS, though with the winds reaching 30 mph in certain areas, it's important to note that they might complicate the already scorching conditions.
Those hoping for rain might have to keep their expectations in check, as the NWS predicts a "non-zero chance for precipitation on Friday," which is a fancy way of saying the chances aren't exactly great. The probabilities sit at a less than optimistic 10-15%, primarily in the northern foothills and southern Cascades.
Relief, while slow, is anticipated to some degree with the temperatures cooling by a few digits by Sunday. According to the National Weather Service Sacramento, chances for temperatures soaring over 100 degrees by Sunday are projected to plunge to below 20%. As this heat wave gradually loses its grip, the following week promises a slight dip in the mercury levels as "weak upper troughing" breezes through Northern California.
When it comes to air travel, operations are forecasted to proceed smoothly with "VFR conditions over interior NorCal next 24 hrs," and surface winds predominantly staying "below 12 kts except local north-east surface wind to 15 kts in foothills/mountains until 18z Thursday." This bodes well for those planning to navigate the skies over the state's heated landscape. As we look towards the beginning of next week, temperatures are expected to hover above normal, with the mountains and foothills experiencing a range from the 60s to 80s, while the Central Valley may feel the upper 80s to mid 90s. But come Wednesday into Thursday, more cooling is on the horizon as deeper upper troughing draws near the West Coast, heralding "near normal high temperatures" and drier conditions through the extended forecast period, according to National Weather Service Sacramento.
