San Franciscans take note: the National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued an area forecast predicting chilly mornings ahead. According to the latest weather report, residents should anticipate "patchy morning frost and fog" with a high probability of reduced visibility, particularly from Marysville southward. Visibility may drop to 1/2 mile or less, so morning commuters are advised to exercise caution.
The NWS discussion goes on to state that "the upper level pattern will feature troughing to the east with ridging building back in off the West Coast over the next few days." This pattern is forecasted to bring in dry weather and tempeatures that are considered normal for mid January. Daytime highs are expected to range in the 50s to low 60s in the Valley and foothills, while the mountains will see 30s to 50s. However, do prepare to bundle up as overnight lows are predicted to be firmly in the cold zone, with 30s for the Valley spots and even down into the teens for some mountain areas.
The National Weather Service also advises residents to take necessary precautions "to protect pets, plants, and people" from the cold. If you're venturing out early in the day or late at night, the combination of low temperatures and limited visibility could present challenges.
Come Monday, things are predicted to pick up in terms of wind. There's a "15-35% probability of 40 MPH gusts or greater along and west of Interstate 5 in the Valley," and a 50-70% chance in the mountain areas, according to the same NWS forecast. It'll potentially remain breezy through the week and possibly into next weekend, with another round of gusty north to east winds on the horizon. Although there is some uncertainty, the NBM currently projects a 30-50% chance for similar gusty conditions next weekend as well.
For the aviation community, "locally MVFR/IFR conditions from BR are expected in the Southern Sacramento and Northern San Joaquin Valleys" starting from 06Z to 20Z on Saturday and repeating on Sunday during the same timeframe. Otherwise, pilots can expect VFR conditions across the interior of Northern California, with surface winds staying below 12 knots. Caution remains the word of the day for both drivers on the ground and pilots in the sky.
