Northern California is experiencing a mix of weather, with light rain today that will soon be replaced by fire weather concerns later in the week. The National Weather Service in Sacramento reports that the Valley will get less than a tenth of an inch of rain, while higher elevations may see up to a quarter inch. There's also a 20% chance of mountain thunderstorms north of I-80, but increased fire risk will follow this brief rain.
By Thursday, a weather pattern called an "Inside Slider" will bring strong winds and low humidity, increasing wildfire risks. The National Weather Service warns of critical fire conditions from Thursday night through Saturday evening in the western Sacramento Valley and the Delta, including the I-5 corridor and northeast foothills. A "Red Flag Warning" and a Wind Advisory have been issued to highlight the serious fire threat.
Starting Thursday, north-to-east winds will increase, along with lower daytime humidity due to a trough moving down from the north. The National Weather Service indicates that the Valley and northeast foothills have a 50 to 95% chance of wind gusts reaching 30 mph or more, with some areas potentially exceeding 40 mph at a 40 to 85% chance. The region will also face deficient humidity levels, ranging from single digits to 20%, with little overnight recovery.
Early next week, conditions are expected to calm down, with dry weather and seasonal temperatures in the 70s as the upper low causing fire risks moves east. While forecasts initially suggested possible rain, recent models indicate that rainfall will likely remain offshore for a while, leaving interior Northern California with only the light rain expected today.
