935
FXUS66 KSTO 141946
AFDSTO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sacramento CA
1246 PM PDT Sat Mar 14 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

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

&&

.DISCUSSION...

...Today-Sunday...
Partly to mostly sunny skies continue to prevail across interior
NorCal this afternoon. While upper level high pressure is slightly
more flat this afternoon, high temperatures are still expected to
remain well above seasonal average, around 12 to 20 degrees higher
today and tomorrow. Minor HeatRisk will also accompany the warm
temperatures today and tomorrow in the Valley and Foothills. A
trough is digging into the PacNW and is forecast to continue to
translate eastward and dig further south into the Plains by
Sunday, which will allow for a north to south orientation of our
heights introducing a period of locally breezy northerly winds
tomorrow. Gusts of 15 to 25 mph are possible, strongest along the
I-5 corridor. Daytime humidity values will continue to trend
lower, especially over the ridges and higher terrain, as upper
level ridging will begin to amplify offshore on Sunday and into
early next week.

...Monday-Friday...
By Monday, the aforementioned ridge will begin to move inland,
continuing to amplify in strength. Continued increases in
afternoon high temperatures are expected across the region, with
upper 80s and low 90s across the Valley and mid 70s to low 80s
possible in the higher elevations. The Extreme Forecast Index
(EFI) continues to paint an impressive signal for well above
normal temperatures thanks to the forecast strength of high
pressure. Resultant HeatRisk will increase to widespread Minor
Monday-Wednesday, then by Thursday and Friday Moderate HeatRisk is
forecast for areas in the Delta, Sacramento Metro, and portions
of the northern San Joaquin Valley. If you are heading to the area
waterways, remember that water temperatures remain very cold and
can cause hypothermia very quickly. With this heat event the first
of the new calendar year, make sure to take extra precautions if
you are outside during the afternoon when high temperatures will
be the warmest.

&&

.AVIATION...

VFR conditions are expected next 24 hours. Surface winds generally
around 5-10 kts through this evening. Locally breezy northerly
winds develop along and west of I-5 in the Sacramento Valley from 09z
Sunday until 00z Monday, with gusts 15-25 kts.
 &&

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

$$