The National Weather Service in Sacramento has provided an update on the shifting weather patterns Northern Californians can expect throughout the week. According to the latest forecast, today's weather will feature light rain showers and high elevation snow showers due to a trough moving through the area. Despite the light precipitation, accumulation is anticipated to be minimal.
Temperatures this morning across the Valley ranged from the upper 30s to 50s, while high-elevation areas experienced lows in the 20s, leading to frost formation as the sun began to rise. As reported by the NWS, the trough will also help lower high temperatures in the area, with forecast highs expected to be below 70 for most locations. Northern Californians along the I-5 corridor should brace for gusty northerly winds tomorrow, although short-term fire weather conditions are expected to be limited in scope due to increased moisture in the region.
Status quo won't stick around long; another low pressure system is queued up to dig in from the Pacific Northwest by late Wednesday, signaling another round of showers and higher-elevation snow showers. The mixed bag of weather is set to linger through early Saturday, with probabilities for rain and snow fluctuating throughout the Northern California region. Current rainfall total probabilities from late Wednesday and Thursday are around 30-80% for greater than 0.25 inches across NorCal, as per the National Weather Service reports, pointing to potentially significant precipitation mid-week.
A sliver of respite may arrive behind the upcoming systems, as extended forecasts from Friday through Monday suggest a trend of ridging developing over the Eastern Pacific, bringing lingering showers and gusty wind conditions. Despite the continued wetness, a slight warming trend in daytime high temperatures is expected during this extended period, hinting at a potentially more comfortable outlook after the weekend. With increased winds and drier conditions anticipated on Saturday and Sunday, forecasters remain vigilant regarding potential fire weather concerns, though the persistent moisture and cooler temperatures may help reduce the risk.
Aviation impacts over the next 24 hours will include general VFR conditions across interior Northern California, with potential pockets of MVFR conditions due to ongoing showers. The Sierra range may experience bouts of IFR from snow showers, with snow levels hovering between 5,500 and 6,500 feet. The advisory details west to northwest surface winds of 10-15 knots sustained, with gusts of 15-20 knots in the Valley and Delta, and sustained winds of 15-20 knots with gusts of 20-30 knots over the Sierra. Travelers and pilots should prepare for variable conditions as the weather continues to evolve.
