000
FXUS66 KSTO 271030
AFDSTO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sacramento CA
230 AM PST Thu Feb 27 2020

.Synopsis...
Dry with above normal daytime temperatures through Friday. Cooler
and breezy this weekend with a threat of showers, mainly in the
foothills and mountains. Dry and warmer early next week with
breezy north to east wind.

&&

.Discussion...
Strong upper ridging continues over the area today with well above
normal max temperatures. Highs today forecast near record levels
again, with KSAC (Record 76) and KSCK (Record 77) likely to set
new records. Some locally gusty northeasterly wind possible this
morning through favorably oriented canyons and over ridges of the
eastern foothills and mountains.

Ridge progresses Friday as Pacific frontal system approaches the
PacNW. Lower latitude closed low currently near 25N 136W also
progresses under increasing westerly flow. Associated mid to high
level cloudiness spreads into the CWA from the SW Friday. High
temperatures remain above normal tomorrow, with near record to
record levels at some of our southern locations.

Frontal system tracks into the PacNW Friday night into early
Saturday, then secondary short wave trough digs offshore near
130W Saturday. Increased dynamic/orographic forcing over the
Shasta mountains by the afternoon could result in some scattered
light showers. Significant cooling expected Saturday with locally
breezy conditions. High temperatures are forecast 10 to 15 degrees
lower than Friday.

Associated upper low then progged to dig south through the CWA
Saturday night and Sunday. CAA continues over the area Sunday with
breezy conditions. Potential for some showers over Interior
NorCal Sunday, but with PWs generally around half an inch or less,
best chances will be over the foothills and mountains. Snow
levels lower into the foothills Sunday, but little to no
accumulations expected at those elevations. Bulk of snow will fall
over the higher elevations of Western Plumas mountains and Sierra
Nevada. 2 to 5 inches of snow is possible at pass levels Sunday
with locally up to about 8 inches over the higher elevations of
the Sierra Nevada, south of Highway 50. Storm total QPF for the
Central Valley only looks to be a few hundredths attm.

PCH

&&

.EXTENDED DISCUSSION (Monday THROUGH Thursday)...
Dry and mild conditions are expected next week as the trough
exits the region and the Eastern Pacific ridge rebuilds. Periods
of gusty north to east winds are expected through mid-week.
Regarding temperatures, highs in the Valley will be in the upper
60s to mid 70s, with mountain locations in the low 40s to low 60s.
These temperatures are forecast to be 5 to 10 degrees above
average for early March.

&&

.AVIATION...
VFR conditions expected to persist over the next 24 hours. Winds
generally under 10 kts.

&&

.STO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.
&&

$$