The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for the northern San Joaquin Valley through 10 AM this morning, advising visibility could drop to 1/4 mile or less. Motorists are cautioned to navigate the obscured roadways with care, using low beam headlights and adopting a reduced speed to adjust to the limited visibility conditions.
In its Area Forecast Discussion, the NWS explained that as the last system departs eastward, a pattern change is expected with an upper level ridge off the Pacific Northwest coast ushering in drier conditions and warmer days. This transition is anticipated to further intensify come next Tuesday, with the strongest gusts hitting the region. "Valley north winds are forecast to gust 20 to 30 mph, with the NBM indicating a 40 to 60% chance of gusts exceeding 40 mph," the NWS noted, warning that ill-secured outdoor items could become hazards and suggesting that drivers of high-profile vehicles be especially vigilant during this windy spell.
Looking further ahead into the week, dry weather is slated to prevail, coupled with a persistent warming trend and sporadic valley fog, the NWS reported. With the Great Basin trough and Pacific Northwest ridge at play, the Sacramento valley could see a gentle uptick in temperatures, reaching the low to upper 60s by the week's end. Although these conditions suggest a pleasant interlude, a cooling trend might set in during the weekend as the forecast models hint at the ridge's gradual breakdown.
At the moment, aviation interests in the region should brace for some temporary disruptions, as the NWS forecasts "Areas of patchy fog and low stratus from 13-18z Sat. over the Northern San Joaquin and Southern Sacramento Valleys." As these conditions dissipate, normal flight operations and surface winds are expected to remain under 12 knots, with the temporary exception of stronger winds anticipated near KMOD between 19z Sat and 01z Sun.
