As the North State braces for a windy weekend, the National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a Wind Advisory, warning that gusty conditions, which began sweeping across the region earlier today, will continue. Residents can expect winds strong enough to send loose items flying—holiday decorations and trash cans, take note. The advisory on the NWS website, effective through 10 a.m. tomorrow, warns that winds could reach speeds of up to 40 mph, primarily along and west of Interstate 5, and in the mountainous areas.
The cold front is ushered in by an upper-level trough that's plunging toward the Great Basin and Four Corners, leaving high pressure to loom over the eastern Pacific - a combination that induces the northerly and easterly gusts familiar to Californians during this time of year, a phenomenon reiterated by the Sacramento forecast office which recorded, already some blows at the rate of 15 to 25 mph. "Gusty north to east winds will continue to develop today and persist into Sunday morning," said the National Weather Service, as reported by multiple stations recording the escalating breezes.
While local residents may find scattered debris an annoyance, the blustery conditions do have a silver lining – dry weather is predicted to persist throughout the upcoming days. Don't be surprised if those evening temperatures dip lower than the daytime highs comfortably sitting in the 50s to 60s in the Valley; the chill is coming, with next week expecting to usher in frosty mornings and a slight shiver in the air.
A shift in the weather pattern is on the horizon, according to the extended forecast that introduces a Rex Block pattern, where high pressure north of low pressure holds court over the eastern Pacific, ensuring that the region remains parched yet chilly for a little while longer. The steady conga line of above-normal temperatures will give a soft bow to a cooler next weekend, "Afternoon high temperatures will be near to slightly above normal through Thursday, then slight cooling is anticipated as we move into next weekend," the NWS elaborated on their projection of the weather roller coaster Californians are strapping themselves into.
The aviation sector isn't spared the wind's might either, pilots and passengers should gear up for a bumpy ride in and out of the Valley. "Winds will begin to pick up from the north around 10z today and continue through around 18z Sunday, where gusts up to 35 knots are likely in the Valley and Delta," the NWS cautioned, stretching that warning to include the Sierra where the gusts could ratchet up to 45 to 50 knots. For those still on the ground, an opportunity to bear witness to nature's robust breath, just keep a safe distance from any loose limbs or swaying signs.
