608
FXUS66 KSTO 231908
AFDSTO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sacramento CA
1208 PM PDT Mon Mar 23 2026

For additional details on weather and expected impacts over the
next 7 days, please visit weather.gov/sto/briefing.


.KEY MESSAGES...

 - Above normal temperatures continue through the week with
   widespread Minor HeatRisk

 - Gusty and drying northerly flow mid to late week, strongest on
   Thursday.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

...The Week Ahead...

Current satellite has few to scattered clouds across CA this
afternoon, with temperatures reaching to the 80s for daytime
highs. We will continue to see well-above normal temperatures
through the week and into the weekend, with some areas being 10-25
degrees above average. This is thanks to a ridge of high pressure
dominating over the western United States for the past week. We
will continue to see near record to record highs across the area
especially within the Valley. Minor HeatRisk is expected within
the Valley and adjacent foothills through the weekend. There does
look to be some relief on the horizon with ensemble guidance
showing the ridge breaking down slowly and shifting eastward into
central CONUS. Timeframe of occurrence is around early to mid next
week, but there is still uncertainty on how fast the ridge breaks
down and how cool temperatures get. As of right now it looks as
if temperatures will remain above normal, but there will be a
chance for light precipitation at times within the higher terrain
early to mid next week. More will be known as we get toward the
end of this week.

Otherwise, we will see breezy northerly winds Wednesday night
into Friday, with gusts up to 30mph within the northern Sacramento
Valley and adjacent foothills. Strongest winds will be during the
day on Thursday. Throughout the week, RH values will continue to
trend lower toward the teens and lower 20s. The northerly winds
combined with the dry conditions will continue too accelerate the
drying of fuels across the area.

As we continue to see well-above normal temperatures for this time
of year, individuals should practice heat safety. Please be sure
to stay hydrated and take breaks from being in the sun during the
heat of the day. Always remember to use caution and wear a life
jacket near area waterways.

.AVIATION...

VFR conditions are expected through the TAF period, with light
winds around 5-10kts through the day. Light and variable winds
during the overnight hours. Skies will be SCT to FEW throughout
the day and slowly clear out by tonight and into tomorrow.

&&

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

$$