NorCal forecast: Mild temperatures and Sierra storms

NorCal forecast: Mild temperatures and Sierra storms

Below normal temperatures, a few clouds, and a Delta breeze means cooler temperatures for the Valley while the Sierra may see thunderstorms developing in the afternoon.

Kelly Curran

Clouds are moving up from the south as a disturbance off the coast of Central/Southern California develops off the West Coast.

As the jet stream drops south and scoops it up today and tomorrow, moisture will lift into the mountains and turn into a few thunderstorms.

While most of the storms will develop south of Tahoe and east of the crest, the lower level air is very dry and outflow winds from storms may turn gusty. There is also an elevated chance for dry lightning and all those things mean that fire danger is elevated. A Red Flag WATCH is in effect for the Sierra outside of areas where storms will occur.

Storms become more widespread in the Sierra Thursday afternoon and linger Friday.

As this energy departs, the weekend will be drier, but a continued trough draped over the region means weather will continue to be milder than normal with valley highs running in the mid to upper 80s at least through the middle of next week.

Wednesday forecast

Thunderstorms will pop up Wednesday afternoon, mainly south and east of Lake Tahoe.

An onshore breeze and scattered clouds will keep temperatures comfortable.

Temperature trend

temperatures will drop significantly by Thursday. Places int he delta may not get into the 80s! Areas farther inland will run several degrees warmer.

Thunderstorm chances

There are chances for thunderstorms int he Sierra over the next couple of days, but Thursday is when storms could be most widespread. There is the potential for dry lightning on the west slope starting overnight Wednesday and lasting into Thursday afternoon. Lightning may start new fires.

Fire Threat Index

Fuels are drying in the Sierra and could ignite easily if there is dry lightning. Erratic winds from thunderstorms could cause new fires to spread quickly. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect overnight Wednesday through Thursday.

Foothills & Sierra 7 day forecast

Friday onward will be dry in the Sierra but temperatures will stay mild for mid August.

Valley 7 day forecast

August started with heat but the week ahead will balance things out. Daily delta breezes and scattered clouds will keep things feeling comfortable for a little while.

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