776
FXUS66 KSTO 211946
AFDSTO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sacramento CA
1246 PM PDT Sat Mar 21 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

 - Slight decrease in temperatures this weekend but temperatures
   continue to be 10 to 20 degrees above normal. Daily record
   highs will be possibly again through mid week.

 - Breezy winds Sunday western side of Sacramento Valley and again
   next Thursday otherwise dry and hot weather continues.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

...Next 7 days...
Dry and unseasonably warm high temperatures will continue across
the area for the next 7 days, as upper level high pressure
continues to amplify and remain relatively stationary with slight
movements to the east. This subtle shift will allow high
temperatures to cool slightly for the next several days, however
afternoon high temperatures are still going to run around 10 to 20
degrees warmer than normal for the beginning of Spring. Tomorrow
as the ridge continues to wobble eastward, northerly winds will
strengthen with some gusts along and west of the I-5 corridor
around 20-30 mph. Later next week, ridging continues to be the
dominant synoptic weather feature, however the ridge will be
located south of the Four Corners Region, allowing another period
of northerly winds to develop across the Valley. Forecast wind
gusts of 20 to 30 mph along the I-5 corridor, as well as gusts of
15-25 mph through the rest of the region and will allow daytime
humidity values to fall into the mid to upper teens in the
northern Sacramento Valley. Some relief may be on the horizon, as
ensembles are showing an eventual breakdown of the ridge with a
potential PacNW trough forming by the end of March/early April.
Too early to think about what that means for temperatures or any
needed precipitation, but something to keep an eye on as we move
through the rest of March.

If you are outside or planning outdoor activities this weekend
into next week, please remember to drink plenty of water and wear
sunscreen. As this is an anomalous heat event, individuals may
not be fully acclimated to the emerging heat. Local waterways are
also running very cold due to snowmelt.

&&

.AVIATION...

VFR conditions next 24 hours at Valley TAF sites. Surface winds
below 12 kts at all sites except in the northern Sacramento Valley
where northerly wind gusts of up 25 kts begin around 15z Sunday.
Slight chance (~10%) of BR/MVFR conditions in northern San Joaquin
Valley between 12z and 16z Sunday.

&&

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

&&

$$