The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Sacramento anticipates warm temperatures to persist into Tuesday across the Valley and foothills, spiking today to heights warranting a Minor HeatRisk. Northerly winds later in the week and even a tease of thunderstorms over higher elevations keep the weather narrative dynamic. With "above-normal temperatures" today and a "30 to 60%" chance of mercury pushing past 85 degrees F in certain parts of the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys, it's an early taste of summer for some. The detailed forecast and advisories can be accessed on NWS's website.
As we sail into midweek, keep a lookout for the local mountains and foothills, where there's a "15-40% probability for thunderstorms" – peaking on Wednesday, as reported by NWS. Light snowfall could grace the Sierra Nevada Thursday night into Friday, with a "25-55% probability" above 6500 feet, especially south of Highway 4. However, while sweeping through the forecast, it seems that confidence in the weather patterns decreases as the week concludes.
Northerly winds are another plot twist to follow, especially along the western Sacramento Valley, where gusts could surpass 30 mph from late Thursday into Friday. The probability scale for this has been set between a substantial "50-80%". Those planning aviation-related activities should note that "VFR conditions expected over the next 24 hours at TAF sites with winds generally light and less than 12 kts", as stated by the NWS.
For the Sierra, an increment in the forecast snow, a "dusting to a few inches of snow are possible... Thursday night into Friday", is anticipated, particularly after folks have ventured south of Highway 4. Keeping tabs on this minor winter flashback will be key for those venturing into the high country later this week. While the weekend likely will lean towards "warm and dry" after Friday's chill, anglers and campers should tune in as the NWS reassess and issue updates over the coming days.
