Following the departure of recent storms, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento has lifted the Winter Weather Advisory and forecasts a stretch of dry, warmer days leading into the weekend. In a recent update, NWS notes that the Sacramento area should prepare for foggy mornings through Friday with an uptick in the mercury.
Visibility issues are prominent, particularly in areas like Stockton, Modesto, Sacramento, and Vacaville, where dense fog has reduced visibility to 1/4 mile or less. The NWS has issued a Dense Fog Advisory, effective through 11 AM today, for commuters in the Delta, Central and Southern Sacramento Valley, and Northern San Joaquin Valley. Residents and travelers are advised to exercise caution during early morning commutes, as conditions could persist into the early afternoon. The NWS predicts a 70% to 90% chance of visibility dropping below half a mile in regions extending from Yuba City southward.
Heading towards the end of the workweek, NorCal can expect a "period of dry weather with above normal temperatures," according to the NWS's forecast discussion. Daytime highs will likely range from the upper 50s to low 60s across various locales. Slight breezes with northerly winds gusting to 15-20 mph are also anticipated, although these are expected to soften as the week progresses.
As the weekend approaches, forecasters are bracing for a shift toward a more unsettled and wetter weather pattern. "Confidence in unsettled weather is increasing for this weekend," the NWS forecast discussion notes, indicating a series of fast-moving systems that will impact the region starting Saturday. Snow levels in the mountains are currently expected to remain above 6,500 to 7,000 feet, which could offer relief for pre-Christmas travelers, as a lower risk of snow at pass levels suggests fewer transit disruptions. However, there is a possibility that snow levels could drop by mid-week, potentially affecting holiday commutes.
The aviation sector can also expect impacts from the prevalent conditions. The NWS advisement on aviation indicates areas of MVFR/IFR conditions with LIFR due to low stratus/BR/FG possible through 22Z Tuesday across NorCal. Pilots should anticipate north winds kicking up with gusts up to 25 to 30 knots in higher elevations. After these gusts subside, winds throughout the region are expected to be mild, usually staying below 12 knots.
.jpg){kind=link}