366
FXUS66 KSTO 151926
AFDSTO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sacramento CA
1226 PM PDT Sun Mar 15 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

 - Breezy northerly winds across portions of the area today;
   strongest winds along and west of the I-5 corridor

 - Dry weather with well-above normal temperatures expected
   through the week with Minor to Moderate HeatRisk

&&

.DISCUSSION...

...Today...
Mostly sunny and warm conditions prevail around the region today,
along with locally breezy northerly winds as a strong trough
continues to move through the Plains and into the Midwest/Ohio
Valley and high pressure builds in the eastern Pacific. The
pressure gradient from the two different air masses are creating
breezy northerly winds along and west of the I-5 corridor and in
the mountains. Winds will gradually ease tonight as the trough
moves further east and our upper air pattern becomes more flat.
High temperatures today will continue to be above normal, and this
pattern of warmer than normal will continue as we start the new
work week.

...Monday-Saturday...
High pressure will continue to translate and strengthen as it
slowly moves onshore this week. As such, high temperatures will
continue to be well above seasonal normals across the region.
Resultant Minor HeatRisk will become more widespread Monday
through Saturday, with Moderate HeatRisk entering the forecast
Thursday and Friday in the Delta, Sacramento Metro, and portions
of the northern San Joaquin Valley. The Extreme Forecast Index
(EFI) continues to show impressive shift of tails for high
temperatures across the region for all of this week, and the upper
level high pressure strength remains impressive in ensemble
forecasts. Overnight recoveries are helping keep the HeatRisk
mostly in check at this time, and as such a Heat Advisory is not
being considered for at least the early portions of this week. If
you are outside or planning outdoor activities this week, please
remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Local
waterways are also running very cold due to snowmelt.

&&

.AVIATION...

VFR conditions are expected next 24 hours. Locally breezy
northerly wind gusts 15-25 kts along and west of I-5 in the
Sacramento Valley until 00z Monday. North-northeast wind gusts
15-20 kts over the mountains 06z-18z Monday. Otherwise, surface
winds generally around 5-12 kts.

&&

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

$$