The National Weather Service in Sacramento is monitoring Northern California as it prepares for a dry period with breezy conditions. The latest NWS forecast predicts above-normal temperatures and gusty north to east winds throughout the week. These conditions are expected to persist, with a return around the weekend and a pickup early next week.
The foothills and mountains were reported to have gusts reaching 25 to 35 mph, and this trend is forecasted to quickly, but not slightly, intensify over the weekend with the possibility of winds gusting up to 50 MPH over the Northern Sierra. Motorists are advised to practice caution, especially if operating high profile vehicles or if outdoor items are unsecured. "Valley NBM probabilities show around a 50-80% chance of gusts over 40 MPH mainly in western portions of the Sacramento Valley and along Interstate 5," the NWS statement specified.
Monday is expected to bring similar gusty north to east winds, though with some variations. Ensemble forecasts suggest that the winds could be more concentrated over mountainous regions and through specific canyons and gaps.
A short wave trough is also projected to drop south along the leading edge of the EPAC upper ridge by Monday AM. This system is set to later dig southwest off the Southern California coast, which will to surely strengthen the north to east winds, with the greatest impact likely in northern and eastern foothills and mountains. "Dry weather with near to slightly above normal high temperatures expected through the extended period," the NWS mentioned.
Aviation conditions may reach local MVFR/IFR due to mist in the southern Sacramento and northern San Joaquin valleys until around 17z, with a possible recurrence after 06z Friday. Otherwise, VFR conditions are expected across the interior of Northern California over the next 24 hours. In the Sacramento Valley and Delta, as well as the adjacent foothills and mountains, northeast surface winds of 15-25 knots with local gusts up to 30-35 knots are expected through 12z Friday.
